MEMOIRS 



Dk. Winthrop Hartly Hopson 



EDITED BY HIS WIFE, 

ELLA LOKD HOPSON 



NOV 3 1887' 



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CINCINNATI 
STANDAKD PUBLISHING COMPANY 

1887 






Copyright, 1887, by 
STANDARD PUBLISHING CO. 



to the memory of 

to whose worth and loving guidance 
her son has been wont to ascribe all 
the success of the life which it has been my 
pleasure to record in these pages, this volume is affec- 
tionately' inscribed. " the mother in her office 
holds the key of the soul ; and she it 
is who stamps the coin of 
character." 

Ella S. Hopson. 



INTRODUCTION. 

More than a year ago I conceived the idea of writing 
a history of the work of my husband, Dr. W. H. Hopson. 
I did not at first think of publishing it, but it grew upon 
my hands until it became a book. It served to while 
away many a weary hour of the patient invalid, whose 
life lies wholly in the past. 

By the advice of brethren who have published books, 
I have endeavored to condense as much as possible. I 
have left out many incidents and the names of hundreds 
of loved friends, for want of space. One request the 
Doctor made, that I should not put anything upon record 
that would convey a censure to any human being, or leave 
an impression in the mind of any one that he had a feel- 
ing of enmity in his heart toward any. 

If the book is full of imperfections, and does not 
meet the expectations of friends, they will remember it 
was written by a nurse in a sick-room, with constant in- 
terruption to wait on the loved invalid, and often with a 
heart full of unshed tears. Then do not judge too crit- 
ically. I have left much of his beautiful, sacrificing life 
for others to portray, and thank them from my heart for 
their loving and comforting letters, appended in the book. 



VI. INTRODUCTION. 

They show clearly that those who knew him best, and 
came closest to his inner life, loved him most. 

For him the sun of life is setting, but to him in a 
halo of glory. He has no fear for the future ; and, as he 
slowly drifts from us toward the great ocean of eternity, 
his hopes brighten, his vision grows clearer, and he real- 
izes more and more what it will be to rest from his labors, 
with those he loves, in the Paradise of God. 

I hope my imperfect tribute of affection to one on 
whose strong arm I have leaned for thirty-seven years 
may be read in the spirit of love in which it has been 
written, and serve to perpetuate the memory of my hus- 
band in the hearts of the many he loved so well. 

Ella Lord Hopson. 
Nashville, Tenn., July 20, 1887. 



CONTENTS. 

Chapter I. 

Dr. Hopson's Birth. — Parentage. — His Father's Removal 

to Missouri. — From there to Arkansas — His Being iSent to 

Carrollton, III, to School. — Bro. Henderson's Letter. — His 

Change to Jacksonville. — Home in Father Stone's Family. — 

Attends Bonne Femme College, in Boone County 1 

Chapter II. 
Finishes His Education at Columbia College, under Profs. 
Roach and Thomas, when only Seventeen. — Called to Preach. 
— Spends a Few Months Reading the Bible with Bro. Abram 
Miller. — Joins Bro. Samuel Rogers.— Bro. Rogers' Letter. ... 6 
Chapter III. 
State of the Church. — His Father's Loss of Property. — 
Opposed to his Preaching; Insists on his having a Profession 
besides. — He Selects Medicine. — Married. — His Father Dies. 
— He Becomes a Farmer. — Death of his Wife. — Removal to 
Fayette, Howard County. — Joel H. Hayden. — Alex. Procter. 
— Second Marriage.— Death of his Wife. — Visit to Dubuque, 
Iowa, with Bro. D. P. Henderson. — Robt. B. Fife, of St. 

Louis, Marries his Mother 12 

Chapter IV. 
Meeting in Dubuque, Iowa. — Result of the Meeting. — My 

Conversion and Baptism, and our Subsequent Marriage 18 

Chapter V. 
A Proposition. — Visit to his Mother. — Return to Fayette. 
— Call to Act as State Evangelist. — Visit to Columbia, Paris, 
Mexico.— Providential Escape. — Meeting in the Court-house 

in Mexico.— Debate with Elder Wm. G. Caples 31 

Chapter VI. 

Visited my Relatives in Batavia, 111.— My Brother's Let- 
ter Describing the Meeting. — Other Visits Made There.- His 38 
Estimate of Dr. Hopson 



Viii. CONTENTS. 

Chapter VII. 
Visit to PittsfieM, CarroUton, Callaway Co., Booneville. 
—Masonry more Liberal than Sectarianism.— Visit to War- 
saw.— Primitive Hospitality.— Visit to Versailles 42 

Chapter VIII. 
Novel Experiences.— Life among a Primitive People.— 
How I Became Popular.— Crowds Attending the Meetings, 
Coming Sometimes from Fifty to One Hundred Miles 46 

Chapter IX. 
Doctor's Meeting at Springfield.— Osceola. — The Man who 
Joined Dr. Hopson.— Calhoun, Henry County. — Georgetown, 
Pettis County. — Cholera.— Confession aud Baptism of Four- 50 
teen Young Ladies 

Chapter X. 
Close of South Side Mission. — Swimming Creeks. — Cross- 
ing Prairies. — Visiting Everybody. — Changing Rooms. — Meet- 
ings at New London, Paris, Lick Creek, Hannibal.— Change 
of Location to the Mississippi River. — One Year and Four 
Months, Four Hundred Additions 55 

Chapter XI. 

Locating in Palmyra. — Building up. — Palmyra Female 
Seminary a Private P^nterprise. — Bro. Knowles Shaw. — Bro. 
J. J. Errett. — Bro. Creath. — Bro. L. B. Wilkes, Associate 
Principal. — Palmyra Seminary Incorporated. — Encouraging 

Prospects 59 

Chapter XII. 

A Preaching Tour. — Meeting at Danville. — Running 
against a Camp-meeting. — Wins. — Methodist Cousin. — Num- 
ber of Additions During Summer 63 

Chapter XIII. 
Opposition Schools — Baptist and Presbyterian. — Two 
Years' Prospectus.— Financial Crisis. — Made Assignment. — 
School Closed. — Gave up Everything. — Extract of Letter 
from an Old Pupil , 71 

Chapter XIV. 
Dr. Hopson as a Student. — As a Benevolent Man.— A 
Friend to Young Men— Disliked Pastoral Visiting.— As a 



CONTENTS. IX. 

Husband. — His Punctuality. — A Proposition. — Its Results. — 
Practical Jokes. — As a Son. — His Patience as a Preacher. — Ex- 
periences in School-houses and in the Open Air.— The Boy 
and Cap. — What did Annoy Hiiu 74 

Chapter XV. 

His Courage and Fortitude under Misfortune. — Econ- 
omy. — Division of Labor. — How the Dutchman Happened to 
Saw Wood and Work the Garden. — Meetings at Mexico, 
New Mexico, St. Joseph. — Fifty Dollars for One Convert, One 
Dollar a Head for the Remainder. — Meeting in Batavia, 111. — 

In Chicago 81 

Chapter XVI. 

L. B. Wilkes' Letter. — Walnut St. Meeting in Cincinnati, 
in 1859.— R. M. Bishop's Letter 87 

Chapter XVII. 
Removal to Lexington, Ky. — Bro. McDonald's Letter. — 
Pastoral Work in Lexington. — Numerous Meetings. — Country 
Meetings. — Basket Dinner.— Meeting at Berea. — Tornado 93 

Chapter XVIII. 

The Beginning of the War. — Withdrawal of the States. — 
Meeting in Cincinnati. — First Gun Fired. — Resignation at 
Lexington. — His Position. — Kentucky Neutrality. — Pledged 
to Neutrality. — Fidelity of Union Friends.— Fear of Arrest. — 
Took our Daughter to Missouri, to Mrs. Fife, Dr. Hopson's 

Mother 99 

Chapter XIX. 

Meetings at Shelbyville, Eminence, Bloomfield, Old 
Union. — Morgan's Raid. — Meeting Closed. — The Doctor No- 
tified that the Order was out for His Arrest. — Attempt to 
Escape. — Union Friends. — Refusal to Compromise Them. — 
His Surrender to Major Brock, of Lexington. — Parole. — Ar- 
rest by Col. Warner. — Louisville Prison. — Preaching. — Re- 
fusal to take the "Iron-clad Oath." — Camp Morton. — John- 
son's Island. — False Charges. — My Endeavors to Secure his 
Release. — Banislied from the State 104 

Chapter XX. 
Dr. Hopson a Conscript. — His Regrets. — No Hope of Re- 
lease. — His Masonic Relations Advantageous.— Inside Post- 



CONTENTS. 

master.— Preached Every Sunday.— Accidental Discovery.— 
Dutch Guard. — Way of Escape Opened.— His Release.— Sent 
South. — Reports of his Command. — Kindness of Union 
Friends while in Prison.— Bro. Bishop. — Bro. Graham.— Re- 
ceived Commission. — Gen. Morj^an Delighted that the Gov- 
ernment had Sent him a Chaplain 114 

Chapter XXI. 

My Trip South to Join the Doctor.— Illness in Baltimore. 
— Visit to Washington. — Interview with J. J. Crittenden. — 
His Assistance.— Detained. — Seven Weeks at Barnura's Ho- 
tel. — Wonderful Kindness of the People. — Recovery. — Trip 
South to Richmond. — Bro. Pettigrew and Family. — Success 
in Husband Hunting. — Met the Doctor in Augusta. — Atlanta. 
— Trip to McMinnville, Tenn. — Not a Stranger, Though in a 
Strange Land 119 

Chapter XXII. 
Hospitality. — Arrival at McMinnville. — Preaching. — Life 
in Camp. — R. M. Gano and Brothers. — I go to Knoxville. — 
Evacuation of McMinnville. — Dr. Hopson Resigns. — We go 
to Richmond. — Meeting in Richmond. — Located at Bowling 
Green. — Holly Hill. — C. P. Williamson. — Life at Bowling 
Green. — Housekeeping. — Cost of Domestic Articles. — Ex- 
penses, $20 a Day ; Income, $2,000 a Year. — Old Mansion 126 

Chapter XXIII. 

Gen. Wade Hampton. — His Request. — His Gratifi(ration. 
— Christmas Dinner for Gen. Lee. — Preparations to Remain 
in Bowling Green. — Battles of May 5, 6 and 8. — Wounded 
Soldiers. — The Retreat. — eating Lee to Richmond 136 

Chapter XXIV. 
Brief Stay in Richmond. — Amelia County. — Amelia 
Springs. — Jetersville. — PainevilJe. — Kautz and Wilson's Raid. 
-Flight to Horse Pasture.— Bro. D. H. Spencer.— Henry C. H. 141 

Chapter XXV. 
Blue Ridge.— Patrick C. H.— Paid $5,0o0 for a Horse, 
$.500 for a Saddle.— Plenty of Money.— Teachinyr in Patrick 
Henry Academy.— Thirty-five Pupils.— $3,500 a Month Sal- 
ary. — Going to Church.— Confederate Candle 144 



CONTENTS. XI, 

Chapter XXVI. 
Evacuation of Richmond. — Tlie Doctor's Arrest, Deten- 
tion and Release. — Col. Trowbridge. — Maj. Standish.— His 
Return to Horse Pasture. — The Raid 149 

Chapter XXVII. 
News of the Surrender. — Start for Richmond. — Our De- 
tention. — Dr. Hopson as a Huckster. — Selling Vegetables and 
Fruit to the Federal Construction Corps for Tea, Coffee, 
Flour, etc. — Aiding Two Old People. — Three Attempts to 
Reach Richmond. — Trip in a Sutler's Wagon Across the Last 
Field of Battle. — Arrival at Amelia Springs. — Fishing. — Call 
to Richmond Church 154 

Chapter XXVIII. 
Takes Charge of the Church. — Condition of the Country. — 
Impoverishment of the People. — R. JM. Bishop's Generous 
Aid. — Brave People. — The Doctor's Indebtedness in Missouri 
nearly Doubled. — Visit to Kentucky. — Preachers Throughout 

Virginia. — Bro. Shelburn, his Money and his Calf 162 

Chapter XXIX. 
Bro. Clemmitt's Letter. — General Meeting. — The Con- 
vention between Sixteen of our People and Sixteen Promi- 
nent Baptists, in Richmond 169 

Chapter XXX. 

Letter from Bro. J. A. Gano 173 

Chapter XXXI. 
Return to Richmond. — Our Family all Together.— Our 
Daughter's Marriage to R. L. Cave. — Covington Meeting. — 
Bro. Lape's Letter. — Call to Louisville. — Acceptance. — Mo- 
tives Actuating Him. — Life in Lexington. — Removal. — Raises 
Money to Finish Church. — Wm. C Dawson. — T. P. Haley. — 
Mission Work 176 

Chapter XXXIL 
Bible School for Colored Young Men. — Interest in Col- 
ored Church. — Encouragement. — Substantial Aid. — Three 
Letters from Students of the School 184 

Chapter XXXIII. 
Bro. Grubbs' Letter. — House full of Boarders.— Aunt 



Xll. CONTENTS. 

Mima. — Bought a Home. — Last Payment on Missouri Debt. 
— Preachers' Wives. — Dr. Hopson a Good Financier. — His 
DeBire for Rest. — His Resignation. — Press Notice 189 

Chapter XXXIV. 
Leave Louisville. — Travel throusrh Missouri. — Call to St. 
Louis.— Social Meetings. — Presidency of Christian University 
Urged upon Him. — Acce[)tance. — Silver AVedding. — Removal 
to Canton.— Felt Settled for Life.— Bible College and Stu- 
dents. — Prospects Promising. — Trip in the Interest of the 
University. — His Illness. — Mr. Cave's Arrival and Invaluable 
Aid.— His Mother's Death. — His Partial Recovery. — Unable 
to Teach. — Able to Preach. — Returned to Lexington, Ky. — 
Relapse. — His Old Church in Palmyra. — His Last Field of 
Labor.— His Patience Under Affliction 196 

Chapter XXXV. 
Letter from Wiley Mountjoy. — Dr. Hopson's Life at 
Home. — Influence on the Students in his Family. — Servants. 
— Bro. G. A. Hoffman's Letter. — Generous Kindness. — Con- 
scientiousness. — Christ-likeness. — Influence at Home and 
Abroad as a Neighbor, a Minister, a Friend. — His Liberality. 210 

Chapter XXXVI. 

Letter from R. C. Ricketts. — Encouragement to Write. — 
Dr. Hopson's Position on the War Question. — His Conserva- 
tism on the Subject. — His Friends in Both Parties. — Effect of 
his Arrest. — His Return to Kentucky after the War. — Speech 
at Midway. — Cordial Reception. — Estimate of the Man in 
every Way. 

Bro. J. H. Hardin's Leiter. — First Acquaintance with Dr. 
Hopson. — His Kindness to Me. — Flasy in his Presence. — Es- 
timate of Him as a Preacher and Christian Man. 

Bro. Wm. Van Pelt's Letter. — Warmth of Friend- 
ship. — Political Differences. — Fraternal Feelings. — Grand 
Sermons. 

Bro. W. B. Emmal's Letter.— Bro. W. S. Giltner's Letter. 
— Eminence, Ky. — Bro. C. B. Edgar. — Cynthiana. — Extract 
of Letter from Ella B. Myles. — Letter from Bro. Fred Power, 
of Washington City. — Extract of Letter from Pres. J. T. Pat- 
terson, of Hamilton College, Lexington, Ky. — Letter from 
Chas. L. Loos, President Kentucky University. — Letter from 



CONTENTS. Xm. 

Prof. Kobert Graham, Kentucky University. — Letter from S. 
W. Cruicher. — Letter from Mrs. Alexander Campbell. — Letter 
from Pres. J. W. Ellis, Plattsburg, Mo. — Letter from Prof. J, 
W. McGarvey, Kentucky University. — Letter from Z. F. 
Smith, Louisville 219 



LIFE OF DR. W. H, HOPSON, 



CHAPTER I. 



Dr. Hopson's Birth. — Parentage.— His Father's Removal to Mis- 
souri. — From there to Arkansas. — His Being Sent to Carroll- 
ton, 111., to School. — Bro. Henderson's Letter. — His Change 
to Jacksonville. — Home in Father Stone's Family. — Attends 
Bonne Femme College, in Boone County. 

Dr. Winthrop Hartly Hopson was born near Garretts- 
burg, Christian county, Kentucky, April 26, 1823. His 
maternal grandtiather moved from North Carolina, in an 
early day, and located four miles from Hopkinsville, on 
a farm. 

In a short time he was elected County and Circuit 
Cleris, and removed with his family to Hopkinsville, 
where he acted in that capacity for many years. 

In politics he was a staunch Democrat; in religion, a 
moralist, believing that an honest man w'as the noblest 
work of God. He aimed to obey the Golden Rule, as 
he understood it, and was just and upright in all his deal- 
ings with his fellow-men. He lived and died out of the 
church. 

He was three times married. His first wife was Eliz- 
abeth Elliott, of North Carolina, Of this marriage, five 
•daughters and four sons were born. After the death of 



2 LIFE (3F DPw W. H. HOPSOX. 

his first wife, he married the widow Samuels, who had 
one daughter, Kitty, by her first marriage. The result 
of this union was two daughters, Malvina and Lucretia; 
the latter was burned to death. His second wife did not 
live long, and he married, the third time, Mrs. Read, a 
widow with two children. By this union he had five 
sons and two daughters. The sum total of his family 
was nineteen children. This was a large-sized fam- 
ily for a new country. He left Hopkinsville in Decem- 
ber, 1825, and moved to Callaway county, Missouri, and 
settled on a farm eight miles from Fulton, on the edge 
of Nine Mile Prairie, where he lived till his death, in 
1831. All of his children, except the one burned, lived 
to be grown men and women, and all married but two. 

Col. Joseph Hopson, Dr. Hopson's paternal grand- 
father, moved from Henry county, Virginia, in the year 
1811, to Christian county, Kentucky. His wife was 
Miss Sally Boyd, of Virginia, of a wealthy and influential 
family. Their children were George, Morgan, Samuel, 
Joshua, Henry, and Mildred. 

Dr. Samuel Hopson, the third son, was the father of 
Winthrop H. Hopson, the subject of these memoirs. 

The family were Episc'ipalians in Virginia, hut there 
being no church of that belief in Christian county, they 
united with the Methodist Church, in wiiich church Col. 
Hopson died. 

Sally J. Clark was the fourth child of Capt. John 
Clark, and was born in Hopkinsville, August 23, 1802. 
She availt^d herself of the limited advantages offered for 
procuring an education, and was a good English scholar 
for that time. 

In 1818, when only sixteen years of age, she married 
Dr. Samuel Hopson, son of Joseph Hopson, and moved 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 3 

to the coitntry, near Garrettsburg. Wliile living there, 
two children were born to tliem, Charles Bingley and 
Winthrop Hartly, the subject of these memoirs. There 
was one other brother born afterward, Joseph John, who 
died young. 

Before Winthrop was two years old, his father re- 
moved to Montgomery county, Missouri. The trip was 
at that day an arduous one. In 1825 there were no rail- 
roads leading from city to city, giving easy transit for 
men and goods, but the trip had to be made in wagons 
overland. Dr. Hopson placed his household goods and 
servants in good, substantial covered wagons, while he 
and his wife made nearly all the trip on horseback, Mrs. 
Hopson carrying Winthrop in her lap. 

She had a delightful riding horse, and has often de- 
scribed the trip to me, and told how much she enjoyed it. 
They camped out at night, having their provisions and 
cooking utensils with them, so that they were independ- 
ent of hotels, even if there had been many on the road. 

Dr. Hopson did not like his first location, and in about 
a year he moved to Callaway county, and settled on Heel 
String, a creek seven miles from Fulton. He lost two 
servants there, sold his farm to Mr. Yates and moved 
into Fulton. While living in Fulton, he attended lec- 
tures in the medical college of Transylvania University, 
Lexington, Kentucky, when it was in its prime. I have 
a letter mother wrote him while there. After writing of 
home life and business, she says : " Winthrop is three 
years old to-day, and knows all his letters." 

His elder brother, Charles, died at four years of age. 
His younger brother, Joseph, lived to be seven years old, 
when he too passed away, leaving Winthrop the only 
child. 



4 LIFE OF DR. W. H, HOPSON. 

He often says he wonders he was not a spoiled child. 
The reason was that his father was a rigid disciplinarian, 
and a stern man, and his mother was a conscientious 
Christian woman, deeply pious and unusually intelligent 
in the Scriptures. Dr. Hopson has often said that all of 
good in him is due to that mother's influence and prayers. 

In the year 18-33 his father moved South, and while 
they were camping on the Ozark Mountains, the Doctor 
witnessed that wonderful meteoric shower of November 
13th. He said it was the grandest sight he ever saw ; the 
heavens seemed on fire, and the tall, soml)re pine forest 
was ablaze with stars. He only remained a year in the 
South, when his father sent him to school in Carroliton, 
Illinois, to Mr. Hinton, a Presbyterian minister of prom- 
inence, and widely known as an educator. He remained 
there two years, boarding in Mr. Hinton's family. 

While there, his father moved back to Fulton, find- 
ing the climate of the South did not agree with him or 
his family. Winthrop made them a visit while at Car- 
roliton. He went on horsel)ack, and alone, from there 
to Fulton, Missouri. He reached home safely, with many 
adventures to relate. 

From Carroliton he was sent to Jacksonville. I am 
indebted to Bro. D. P. Henderson for the following in- 
formation in regard to that period of his life : 

"Canton, Mo., Feb. 11, 1887. 
" Dear Slitter Hopson : — I can only say, in answer to questions 
you propound, that Dr. Hopson, your husband, was the inmate 
of Barton W. Stone's family when I first became acquainted with 
him. He was a student in the Illinois College, attended the 
meetings held by the members of the Church of Christ in Jack- 
sonville, became interested, and publicly made confession of his 
faith in Christ, and was immersed and united with the church 
August 1, 1836. Bro. S. S. Church and Bro. Hopson were both 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 5 

immersed. I think that Bro. Hopson was baptized before Bro. 
Church. He was about fourteen years old at this time." 

Bro. Henderson baptized both Bro. Church and Dr. 
Hopson, he being the baptist of the church, elected to 
that office by the church. 

Wiuthrop remained in Jacksonville nearly two years, 
when, on account of the excitement growing out of political 
troubles, culminating in the destruction of the press and 
office of Lovejoy & Co. — in Alton, I think — his father 
sent for him to return home. He was at once placed at 
Bonne Femme College, near Columbia, Boone county. 
While there, he boarded in the family of Bro. Austin 
Bradford, where he was under constant religious influ- 
ence. 

Elder T. M. Allen lived in the neighborhood, and 
became the warm friend of and model man for the young 
student. Time cemented the friendship, whicli lasted 
during the long life of that man of God. 

It was during this formative period of his character 
that he was under the teaching and influence of such men 
of power and piety as B. W. Stone, T. M. Allen, Joel 
Hayden, Jacob and Joseph Coons, Francis Palmer, Mar- 
cus Mills, Absalom Rice, Wm. Davis, and Bro. Douglass. 
In Missouri these men were the pioneers of and co-workers 
in the grandest reformation since the days of the apostles. 
The reformation of Luther took the church from creed 
to creed. The reformation preached by these men of 
God took men from human creeds and dogmas to the 
Bible. 

Having grown to manhood under such teaching as 
fell from the lips of these men, is it any wonder that he 
became the stern and uncompromising advocate of truth 
whicli he has always been ? 



CHAPTER II. 

Finishes His Education at Columbia College, under Profs. Roach 
and Thomas, when only Seventeen. — Called to Preach. — 
Spends a Few Months Reading the Bible with Bro. Abram 
Miller. — Joins Bro. Samuel Rogers. — Bro. Rogers' Letter. 

Dr. Hopsou was always a good student. He com- 
menced the study of Latin at eight years of age, under 
Prof. Duulap, and at seventeen finished his Greek and 
Latin course under Profs. Roach and Thomas, at Colum- 
bia College, out of which grew up the State University 
from which he afterward received the degree of A. M. 

Here he closed his scholastic life. At this time the 
older I)rethren thought the church demanded that young 
men of talent and education should be brought forward, 
and urged him to devote his life to the ministry. 

His father, who had become a Christian but & short 
time before this, was opposed to his taking the step. He 
was proud of his snn, and ambitious that he should make 
his mark in the world. He had made airangements for 
him to enter the office of Geyer & Bates, of St. Louis, to 
study law, as soon as he left college. It cost Winthrop 
a severe struggle to disappoint his father, as well as to 
silence the cravings of his own ambition. On the one 
side were worldly honor, fame, distinction, pecuniary 
profit, while the other offered neither emolument nor 
worldly glory, but a hand-to-hand fight with contumely, 
reproach, persecution, and poverty. 

The Christians were at this time few, and a despised 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. IIOPSON. 7 

people. They were ostracized from nil communion with 
their religious neighbors. They were called Campbelliies, 
Stoneites, New Lights, anything but the name they chose 
to wear and strove to honor. 

But few young men who enter the ministry to-day 
can appreciate the sacrifice he was called upon to make. 
After prayerful consideration, he decided to devote his 
life to preaching the gospel. Tliere were no Bible Col- 
leges then, to train young men for usefulness; his only 
chance was to sit at the feet of some godly man, who was 
able to teach others how to tell the story of the cross. 
He spent several months with Bro. Al)ram Miller, of 
Millersburg, Callaway county, learning what to preach, 
speaking as opportunity offered. I take pleasure in let- 
ting the old veteran of the cross, Bro. Samuel Rogers, 
introduce Dr. Hopson to our readers as he was in 1840, 
in his eighteenth year : 

" A1)out this time I w^is approached by a tall, spare youth of 
about eighteen summers, neat in his attire ; graceful, gentle, and 
dignified in his bearing; witli an intelligent eye and charming 
voice —altogether such a one as would at once command respect, 
and, at the same time, excite the su?<picion of the beholder that 
he might be a scion of the stock of F. F. V.'s of old colonial days. 

" He bore letters from Abram Miller, of Millersburg, Callaway 
county, recommending him to me as a pious youth, wlio desired 
to devote his life to the work of the ministry, and who wished to 
place himself under my care. He brought letters also liighly 
commendatory to Philip Miller, then of Franklin county. Philip 
Miller was a man of great goodness of heart, but very plain- 
spoken, and sometimes blunt, almost offensively so. When the 
young man approached Miller, he was busy shaving shingles, 
and, as if to test him, was asked the very blunt question: 'Young 
man. do you think you are of any account? Can you shave 
shingles?' ' I suppose I can,' was the reply. ' Well,' said Miller, 
'take off your coat and try.' The youtli, nothing daunted, threw 
off his coat, took hold of the drawing-knife with his white, ten- 



8 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

(ler hands, and went to work as if he had served an apprentice- 
ship at tbe business of shingle making. 

" A few minutes satisfied Mdler that the handsome youth 
was no humbug, so he urged him to resign the knife, saj^ing^ 
' That will do, sir.' This, to ns, appears a trifling incident; but 
it was enough to endear the youth to Philip Miller for life — it 
was the beginning of a lasting friendship. Years afterward I 
heard Phihp Miller tell ho^v his admiration had been excited by 
the simple determination expressed on this occasion by the youth, 
and how his symjiathies had been aroused by the discovery of 
great blisters, which the knife liad raised on his delicate hands. 

" This young man placed himself under my care for the pur- 
pose of training himself to the hardsliips of the Christian warfare ; 
and I take pleasure in bearing witness that this young Timothy 
served his father for two j'^ears as faithfully and lovingly as any 
Timoth}' could serve. At first I put him to blowing and striking 
for me— to use a blacksmith's phrase^but, finding him a young 
man of great promise, I put him in the lead, requiring him to 
deliver the opening discourses generally, while I followed with 
exhortation. I liave had a long and varied experience in helping 
young men into usefulness, but have never been better satisfied 
with the progi-ess of any man with whom I have associated than 
the young man, Winthrop H. Hopson. 

" His discourses were finely arranged, quite logical, clear and 
forcible. They were always delivered in the finest language, yet 
presented in a manner so simple that a child could comprehend 
them. On this account I generally put him forward to preach 
the sermons, and I followed with exhortations. In this way we 
labored together with great profit, for his forte was preaching; 
mine, exhortation. We always traveled together, and, in the cir- 
cuit of four or five counties, accomplishe<l a grand and glorious 
work, which eternity alone can fully reveal. 

" The old men of to-day dwell with animation upon the trans- 
actions of those primitive times, when I did the grubbing and 
Winthrop piled the brush ; or, when Winthrop made the log 
lieajis, and I fired them ; or, in a different phrase, they speak of 
his shooting with a rest, always hitting the mark, and of my 
shooting off-hand, taking the game on the wing. These phrases, 
homely though they may be, very aptly describe the mfinner of 
our work. This very difference in manner and method gave effi- 
ciencv to our lal)ors, and made each more useful to the other- 



LIFE OF DR. W. II. HOPSOX. y 

Our union was sweet, and our harmony complete throughout the 
campaign. Winthrop sat at my feet, like a little child, to receive, 
both by precept and example, all I had to give that would make 
him useful in the vineyard of his INIaster; and I sometimes found 
it profitable to reverse the order and become his pupil. Him I 
found to be an accomplished scholar, and I knew myself to be 
very defective, even in the King's English, so I requested him to 
criticise and correct me when there should be a necessity for it, 
and to do this without hesitation. This he did; but with a man- 
ner so humble and gracious as to make me feel that my fault was 
a virtue. Dear boy, h 'W I loved him ! 

" I have said he was always neat in his dress, and dignified 
in his bearing. Owing to this fact, many poor people appeared a 
little shy of him on first acquaintance. To live in log cabins and 
dress in homespun was the style in those days in that country. 
When entering the cabins of these lowly people, Winthrop was 
quick to detect the cause of shyness on the part of the inmates, 
and always ready to remove it by his easy, gentle way of making 
himself at home, and appearing as if he had been used to nothing 
better all his life. He was a very magnet to little children, and 
possessed that rare faculty of remembering their names, so that, 
meet them wdiere he might, he would address them by their 
proper names, and make them feel easy in his presence. He was 
never vulgarly familiar with any one, old or young, and was never 
guilty of using slang phrases, and could not be tempted to ap- 
proach even the precincts of a conversation vulgar or smutty. 
When he entered a house, it seemed to be his first studj'^ to avoid 
giving trouble to any one. Winthrop H. Hopson had then, and 
now has, the appearance of being stiff and proud ; but this is only 
the man as he appears to the stranger. Let him come near to you, 
and all this appearance of haughtiness and pride will vanish, for 
it is, like beauty, only skin deep. To know him and to love him, 
your acquaintance, must extend beneath the surface. I wish the 
young men of this day, who have not one-half so much to 
puff them up with pride as he had, were as humble and teachable 
as he. Being handsome and accomplished, and belonging to a 
family which took rank anting the best of that countrj', or any 
other country, it is not strange that he should have been greatly 
loved and honored by the young and old of all classes. But it is 
passing strange that his head should not have been a little turned 
by the attentions and compliments he received. I never knew 



10 LIFE OF DK. W. H. HOPSON. 

him to compromise his dignity in any manner; what is better, he 
maintained a pure and spotless character. 

" "Winthrop prudently avoided the meshes of matrimony, as 
well as every appearance of the kind, until after our separation; 
then he married a charming Christian girl whom I had baptized — 
Rebecca Parsons, the fourth daughter of Col. James Parsons. 

" There are those, perhaps, who may think that I should not 
have said so much about my Timothy. But such persons must 
knuw that what I have said is specially for the benefit of young 
preachers, who, wnen they read this, may take my boy preacher 
for a pattern. I do not know that what I.am writing will ever 
see the light; lest it should, I must add a few more words upon 
the same subject, and for the same purpose. 

" No loving son could be more attentive to the wants of a 
father than was "Winthrop to mine. On stopping for the night, 
his first and unceasing care was my comfort. I must be first 
seated, have the best chair, and have it in the best place. If there 
were two beds ofiered us, I must have choice ; or, if we had to 
occupy the same bed, I must have choice of sides. In those days 
money was scarce, and came to us in small installments. When 
money was offered to him, he was in the habit of refusing it, as I 
learned, by saying: ' I am young, and have no family; I can get 
along without it. Give it to Uncle Ram, he has a large family 
to support, and needs all he can get.' Thus he was ever regard- 
ing my welfare, and, in his unseltishness, forgetting his own com- 
fo;"t and convenience. 

" On one occasion, when we were going to an appointment on 
the head waters of the Burbois River, we came to a tributary 
that was so swollen by recent I'ain that we were unable to ford it, 
and our embarrassment was increased by the fact that the ctanoe 
was on the otiier side. Winthrop, without, a word, stripped him- 
self, plunged into the turbid stream, anl brought the canoe over> 
so that we were enabled to get across in good plight and meet 
our engagement promptly. How all this contrasts with that class 
of coarse, ill-bred young men, who act as if they suppose people 
will not hold them in h(jnor unless they are peevi.sh, fretful, 
fault-finding, and troublesome in general. 

"Thirty 3'ears full of imporr, full of change and disappoint- 
ment, have been numbered with those beyond the flood, since 
Winthrop and 1 traversed the Missouri hills and valle\ s together, 
bearing the joyful tidings of peace and love to the listening mul- 



LIFE OF DR. AV. H. HOPSON. 11 

titudes. But the results of the work begun by us will never pass 
away. At this distance from the scene, it wire vain for me to at- 
tempt a description in detail of the work that was accomplished. 
Whole communities almost were turn d from the service of sin 
unto the service of the living God. Where only the song of the 
reveler had been before, you could now hear songs of praise. 
Family after family was completely transformed. I have reason 
to think that when Winthrop and I get home w'e will find a blessed 
congregation of those dear souls who were brought to Christ un- 
der our preaching, waiting for us at the gate." 

This is the only picture of Dr. Hopson at the time 
he first began to preach. This is from the pen of the 
dear okl man who loved his son Timothy till the end of 
his life. The above extract is from Bro. Samnel Rogers' 
"Toils and Struggles of the Olden Times/' edited by his 
son, Elder John I. Rogers. It is a book that should be 
in every Christian's library. The lives of saints should 
be precious in the eyes of the people of God. 



CHAPTER III. 

State of the Church. — His Father's Loss of Property. — Opposed 
to his Preaching; Insists on his having; a Profession be" 
sides. — He Selects Medicine. — Married. — His Father Dies. — 
He Becomes a Farmer. — D^ath of his Wife. — Removal to Fay- 
ette, Howard county. — Joel H. Hayden. — Alex. Procter. — Sec- 
ond Marriage. — Death of his Wife. — Visit to Dubuque, Iowa, 
with Pro. D. P. Henderson.— Robt. B. Fife, of St. Louis, Mar- 
ries his ^Mother. 

At the time Dr. Hopson became a minister of the 
gospel, the new religion on the old plan had just emerged 
from the mists of sectarianism ; it was in its infancy. 
The gospel plan of salvation had to win its way into the 
hearts of the people ; men had to be converted, churches 
organized, sectarian ignorance and bigotry had to be over- 
come. There were no salaries waiting for preachers, but 
there were wide prairies to be ridden over in the heat of 
summer, and cold of winter; there were rivers to swim, 
and privations of every sort to be endured, and all for 
the love of Christ and His word. 

During the first seven years he preached he received 
four hundred dollars. In addition to this, a good sister 
would now and then present him with a pair of socks or 
jeans pants. 

About this time his fether lost his investments in the 
South, through the failure of those indebted to him, and, 
knowing he would l)e unable to assist his son, he urged 
upon him the necessity of having a profession to fall back 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 13 

upon. He well knew tliat he would not be stipported as 
a preacher in that early day. He selected medicine as 
preferable to any other, and attended several courses of 
lectures in St. Louis, where, in 1848, he graduated with 
a large class, among whom were numbered Drs. Hodgens, 
Maughs, and many others who became prominent and 
successful physicians. The eccentric Dr. Joseph N. Mc- 
Dowell was president of the college at the time. 

In 1844 he married Miss Rebecca Parscms, an amia- 
ble, lovely girl. His father died not many months after 
his marriage, and he at once removed his widowed mother 
to his home, and cared for her tenderly. 

While attending lectures in St. Louis, he preached for 
tlie church one winter, when Bro. Jacob Creath, Jr., was 
ill, and one winter for Bro. Patten, who died soon after. 
During this time he made the acquaintance of Elder 
Robt. B. Fife, who subsequently became his step-father. 

After his marriage he became a farmer, as well as 
physician and minister. We visited that neighborhood 
in 1875, and saw many of the children of those who 
knew^ the Doctor, and loved him well. They said his 
influence was still felt in the community, and his name 
was a household word among them. 

His dream of happiness was brief. In a little over 
two years death invaded his home, and took from it its 
brightest treasure. The death of his wife was a heavy 
blow to him. He was preeminently a domestic man, and 
loved his home better than any place on earth. Now 
everything was changed : the same stroke that took from 
him his companion, took his home also. His father-in- 
law had never deeded to his daughter the place that he 
had given them to live on, and at her death it and the 
servants returned to the former owner. 



14 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

As soon tis Dr. Hopson could settle up bis business, 
he left that county and moved with his widowed mother 
to Fayette, Howard county, where he established himself 
in the practice of his professioD, preaching as he had op- 
portunity. 

While living in Fayette, the Doctor was an intimate 
friend of Dr. Saltonstall, who was step-father of Bro. J. 
W. McGarvey. Here is wliere he first met and formed 
a friendsiiip for that worthy son of a noble Christian 
mother. 

During tlie last years of Dr. Hopson's residence in 
Fayette, Bro. Alexander Procter lived at the home of the 
venerable Joel Hayden. He was genial, companionable, 
and beloved by all, and a special favorite with Sister 
Hayden, who was a warm friend of young preachers. The 
Doctor always enjoyed a visit to the old homestead so 
much. She looked upon " Winthrop" as her own child. 
I iiave often heard her relate how she and Dr. Hopson's 
mother used to go to church where they had all-day 
meetings, and Sister Hayden, who had a son a few months 
older than Winthrop, would stay out of doors in the 
morning and nurse the two babies, and Mrs. Hopson 
would take care of them in the evening, until the little 
fellows hardly knew which mother to claim. I look 
back with heartfelt pleasure on the weeks spent in their 
beautiful country home near Fayette. Their hospitality 
was unstinted, and tlieir house was always filled with 
welcome guests. There the old found companionship; 
and the young, counsel and encouragement. This was 
thirty-six years ago, and all the dear old people have 
passed through the gates ajar, and are resting, waiting 
for our coming when Ave, like them, shall have finished 
our work. 



LIFE OF DR. AV. H. HOPSON. 15 

While living in Fayette, he married his second wife 
Miss Caroline Gray, a refined and cultured lady, daugh- 
ter of James Gray, who died in Callaway county. Of 
her, Bro. D. P. Henderson says : 

" I met Bro. Hopson in Fayette, in June, 1848. He had re- 
cently married his second wife, with whom I had formed an ac- 
quaintance in Jacksonville, III., during a visit she was making to 
Bro. Stone's family. She attended a-protracted meeting which I 
held near Franklin, INIorgan county, and I had the pleasure of 
immersing her and receiving her into the Church of Christ. She 
and Dr. Hopson met myself and family and gave us a Christian 
greeting, and had, in anticipation of our arrival, secured a home 
for us with Bro. Wm. C. Boone, cashier of the bank in Fayette. 

" Bro. Hopson exacted a promise from me to attend the State 
meeting in October following. After filling various appointments 
and attending the State meeting in Illinois, I returned in time for 
the meeting in Fayette, and again had the pleasure of meeting 
Bro. H. and enjoying his society, and mingling with many of the 
preachers and brethren from various parts of the State. At that 
time he was resident minister. The church in Fayette were de- 
voted to Bro. Hopson and his amiable sister wife, and it was a 
feast of joy to mingle with such pious, unselfish Christian people, 

"I visited monthly and preached for the church, during 
which period Bro. Hopson's large practice in his profession of 
medicine gave him little time for religious and social intercourse. 
Those hajjpy days were short-lived, and the angel of death en- 
tered Bro. Hopson's home for the second time, tore from his arms 
the one w^ho loved him dearly, and left him with an infant daugh- 
ter six months old. 

"The brethren in Dubuque, Iowa, had for a long time urged 
me to make them a visit, and hold for them a meeting, urging me 
to bring with me Bro. S. S. Church, of St. Louis, when they knew it 
was not possible for Bro. Church to comply with their request; 
and I urged Bro. Hopson to go with me. The death of his wife 
changed all his plans, and, after long and careful consideration, 
he decided to accompany me to Dubuque, where, as you well 
know, our joint labor gave not only satisfaction to the church but 
to the people generally. I had the pleasure of introducing him 
to all my friends, and also yourself, from which time we were 



16 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOP.SON. 

thrown into separate fields of labor, and had but little opportu- 
nity for intercourse. 

" For Bro. Hopson I have always felt a very great interest. I 
regarded him as the finest speaker I knew in all our ranks, of 
polished, elegant manners, a memory faultless, courage undaunted, 
unfiinching in what he believed to be true, and devoted to his 
friends. lie known, and will carry with him into the spirit world, 
that knowledge that I loved him, and was always his friend and Chris- 
tian brother. 

" My prayers shall always go up to our Father in heaven for 
the riche.st blessings to be granted to him. Give Bro. Hopson 
my kindest, tenderest Christian love. Tell him I shall cherish 
his memory the few fleeting days I remain on this earth, and we 
shall meet with the loved ones, I trust, 'over there,' who are 
watching and waiting at the ' Beautiful Gate.' " 

Bro. Henderson has thus kindly furnished me with 
another link in tlie life of my husband. In addition to 
this, I fiml the following in his own handwriting in a 
blank book : 

" In September, 1849, 1 relinquisned the practice of medicine 
and gave myself up to the ministry. The fall of that year I spent 
in Kentucky, and did not commence the work properly till 1850. 
On the following pages I record the number of additions at the 
different meetings I may hold during the year : January — At 
Fayette, 1 ; at Lexington, Mo., 33; at Dover, 17. March— At Fay- 
ette, 4; St. Louis, 6. April — At Dubuque, 26, among them Mrs. 
Ella L. Chapell, Judge Henry, Mrs. King, Sarah Apsey, daugh- 
ter of a Methodist minister. July — At Springfield, Mo., 12; at 
Brunswick, 2, one a niece of Gen. Price." 

Making 101 additions the first seven months of his 
new work. 

Some time after his second marriage, Bro. Robt. B. 
Fife, of St. Louis, called upon him, asking his consent to 
marry his mother. The Doctor was highly amused, and 
told Father Fife he certainly had no objection to taking 
him lor a father, and thought he and his mother were old 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 17 

eiough to settle the matter withoutlhis^interference. They 
were married shortly afterward. After marriage, his 
mother moved to St. Louis, and, after the death of his 
wife, his little girl was committed to the care of his wife's 
sister, Mrs. Mary Bailey, of Fulton, Mo., where she re- 
mained until after our marriage. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Meeting in Dubuque, Iowa. — Result of the Meeting. — My Con- 
version and Baptism, and our Subsequent Marriage. 

lu the month of April, 1850, Bro. Henderson and 
Dr. Hopson visited Dubuque, Iowa. Bro. Henderson 
aUuded to that visit in the letter of the preceding chap- 
ter. They found a few faithful Disciples struggling for 
religious life and recognition. Brethren Mobley, Hen- 
derson (a brother of Bro. D. P. Henderson), McDaniel, 
Hardy, Bennet, Gilliam, with their noble Christian wives, 
and a few others, had been for many years letting their 
light shine amid the theological darkness of that city. 

Dr. Hopson, in his report of the meeting at Dubuque, 
has introduced me to the readers of this book. I hope 
no one will think me indelicate in giving a history of 
this meeting, to me the most important event of my life. 
The brethren had taken great pains to advertise the 
coming of the two evangelists. Their expected advent 
threw the shepherds of the various ecclesiastical flocks 
into great consternation. Meetings were commenced in 
nearly all the churches of the city, so as to prevent, if 
possible, any stray sheep from falling into the clutches of 
the " wolves in sheep's clothing." 

I was a member at that time of the Congregationalist 
Church. A week before the meeting was to begin at the 
Christian Church, our minister announced to his congre- 
gation that he would deliver a series of discourses, be- 

18 



LIFE OF DR. W. II. IIOPSON. 19 

giiiniug the next night, in which he would expose the 
errors of Alexander Campbell, and thus eifectually spike 
the gospel guns of the coming propounders of the schis- 
matical and damning doctrines of that great deceiver. We 
were glad to know that we had in our little church the 
David that could demolish the great Goliath of error. 
For six nights we listened to our preacher. He held in 
one hand " King James' " translation of the New Testa- 
ment, and in the other Campbell, Macknight and Dod- 
dridge's translation. He showed us how wicked and 
sacrilegious a man was, who dared to differ from the ac- 
cepted version. 

Of course, we at once agreed with our minister that 
Alexander Campbell was a vandal and an apostate, and 
should be put under the ban religiously, with all who 
were weak or wicked enough to be deceived by his 
teaching. He closed his lectures by telling us not to go 
near those wolves in sheeps' clothing ; they would de- 
ceive the very elect. 

I have no doubt that from every pulpit in the city the 
same anathemas were thundered. 

Under these auspices the evangelists began their meet- 
ing. For a week I heard nothing of it, until one morn- 
ing I entered my school-room and found my pupils in a 
warm discussion, in which such words as Campbellites, 
water-dogs, were freely used. The noise ceased upon my 
entrance, but traces of anger remained on the faces of 
some of the larger pupils. 1 forbade any religious dis- 
cussion on the premises. I soon found that I had several 
small wolves among my best pupils. I knew nothing of 
the people except what our preacher told us, and was 
under the impression that they baptized in the name of 



20 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

Alexander Campbell, and had to be immersed every time 
they committed a sin. 

One reading this may say such ignorance was unpar- 
donable. I almost believe so myself. There was a 
church in our midst that taught the truth. Every Lord's 
day they met and attended to the ordinances of the Lord's 
house. I w'as too proud to seek there for the light, not 
thinking that we were commanded to '^ prove all things/' 
and " hold fast that which is good." I looked with pity, 
and almost contempt, upon the few poor, deluded people 
who were willing to meet every Lord's day in the little, 
humble stone church. What had I to do with the poor, 
despised publicans? Alas! to w^hat a contemptible pass 
do we allow pride and prejudice to lead us ! 

Some of my young friends attended the meetings and 
became deeply interested. They insisted so strongly on 
my going once, at least, that I consented, but notified 
them that I should secure the first vacant seat, and that 
no doubt they would be plentiful. When we entered the 
church at an early hour, I looked for a vacant seat, and 
close behind the door sat our preacher. He had come 
for the wolves to catch him too ! I can never tell the 
shock his presence gave me ; my feelings were first mor- 
tification, then distrust, then loss of faith in the man. I 
looked around on the audience ; every church in the city 
was well represented, and I was glad to drop into a seat 
the third pew from the pulpit. Soon the aisles were 
filled, and many were turned away for want of room. 
Thirty -five happy disciples were seated, with smiling 
faces, among the audience. Eternity can never wipe out 
the memory of the next twenty-four hours ; the destiny 
of my soul hung in the balance. Thirty -six years have 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 21 

passed, but Memory's tablet is filled with living pictures 
of those moments. 

After the singing of one or two songs, the two minis- 
ters entered the pulpit. The opening exercises were 
brief. I did not notice them particularly till I heard the 
voice of one of them reading a hymn. Such a voice is 
not often heard ; any one who listened to Bro. Henderson 
thirty years ago will attest this. I do not remember the 
hymn he read; I was busy thinking about that other 
preacher who was hiding behind the door. Bro. Hen- 
derson called on Dr. Hopson to pray, and when he arose 
I saw for the first time the man who was to influence my 
future life so greatly. 

Some have asked me, Did you not feel some premon- 
ition that, in some way, your lives were to be united? 
Never; he seemed no more to me that the brother by his 
side, and both were removed leagues from me by religious 
prejudice. 

It was Bro. Henderson's night to preach, but he was 
quite hoarse, and was unable to do so. Dr. Hopson 
addressed the audience. His sermon was on the " Divi- 
sion of the Word of Truth," or the proper manner of 
studying the Bible. In a few minutes, in spite of my 
vexation, I was listening to the strange story that the 
Bible, like any other l)Ook of instruction, had a design, 
and that any one studying it with this idea before him, 
could readily understand its teachings. He divided the 
Book according to dispensation, subject and character, 
and said if any one would keep these in view when read- 
ing, he could not mistake the plan of salvation. 

There had been three dispensations — the Patriarchal 
from Adam to Moses ; the Jewish, from Mount Sinai to 
Pentecost, and since then the Christian. Under the Pa- 



22 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. . 

triarchal, the head of the family was the priest to offer 
sacrifice for himself and household ; under the Jewish? 
which grtw out of the giving of the Law on Mount 
Sinai, the priesthood w'as changed, and Aaron and his 
sons became priests to offer blood for the people. The 
head of the family must now bring his blood to the 
priest, and not dare to offer for himself or his family. 
After the Jewish dispensation had accomplished the pur- 
pose for which it was set up, it passed away to make room 
for the Christian dispensation, in which the Gentile na- 
tions were to be included. The ponderous ritual of the 
Jews' religion was to he exchanged for simple worship. 
The sacrifices, the priesthood itself, so far as human 
priests were needed, was to be done away. The blood of 
Christ was to procure pardon, instead of the blood of 
animals slain by human hands. The clash of cymbals, 
the timbrel, tiie harp, the stringed instruments, the organ, 
the sound of the trumpet, the dance, all were to pass away 
with the dispensation which w^as, more or less, a religion 
of the flesh. The law was nailed to the cross, and a new 
and living way was consecrated for us. Christ Himself 
became the mediator of a better covenant, and every fol- 
lower of His becomes a king and priest unto God. 

While the dispensations have changed, the principle 
underlying them has not. Under the Patriarchal, there 
was faith in God, sorrow for sin, obedience to a positive 
institution, and the offering of blood. Under the Jewish, 
the same thing prevailed — faith, obedience and offering 
of blood ; the priesthood was changed, the command- 
ments were changed, but the principle was still the same. 
Under the Christian, the objects of faith are increased- 
The Patriarchs and Jews believed in God, and worshiped 
Him ; we must believe in God, and that He sent His only 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 23 

beffotten Son into the world to save sinners. The com- 
maudments have changed : the blood is different, but the 
principle remains — faith, obedience and blood. 

SUBJECT. 

We should take all or nothing that is said upon a given 
subject. Take justification. By what are we justified ? 
The Bible says we are justified by faith, justified by grace, 
justified by the life of Christ, by His blood, justified by 
Christ, justified by God, justified by works. One of these 
propositions is as true as the other. If we are not justi- 
fied by all, we are by none. 

SAVED. 

We are saved by grace, by hope, by the gospel, by the 
life of Christ, by faith, by the death of Christ, by confes- 
sion, by calling on the name of the Lord, saved by bap- 
tism. The Bible says all these things save us, but there 
are thousands of people in the church who do not believe 
the last proposition, and say that baptism is not essential 
to salvation ; just as well say that faith, calling on the 
name of the Lord, or grace, is unnecessary, as that bap- 
tism is. The same Holy Sjvirit that said one, said all. 

CHARACTER. 

There were three characters in the New Testament 
who asked the question, " What shall I do to be saved?" 

1. The unbelieving jailer, a pagan, and worshiper of 
false gods. Paul preached to him, he believed, repented 
(for he washed their stripes) and was baptized. 

2. On the day of Pentecost, when the Jews heard 
these words they were pierced to their hearts (this w^as 
faith), and cried out, " What shall we do?" Peter said, 
^' Repent and be baptized " 

3. Christ appeared to Saul of Tarsus, to make him an 



24 LIFE OF DR. W, H. HOPSON. 

apostle. It was necessary thathe should see Christ after 
he had risen from the dead, in order to be a witness of 
His resurrection. No doubt he had often seen Christ in 
his walks about Jerusalem. He was a very pious Jew, 
but a very wicked persecutor of the Christians, hunting 
them from city to city to put them to death. Before 
Saul could commence his work, he must be made a Chris- 
tian. This vision of Christ produced faith, and when 
the risen Saviour charged him with persecuting Him, it 
smote him to the heart, and he cried out in bitter repent- 
ance, " Lord, what wilt thou have me to do ?" Saul, I 
can not tell any man what to do for remission of sins. I 
have sent men out to teach all nations. " Go to Damas- 
cus, and there it shall be told thee what thou must do." 
Christ did not say : " Saul, you can do it if you like, or 
not ; if it is perfectly convenient," but " what thou must 
do," When the Christian teacher, Ananias, came and 
found this pious Jew praying, what did he say? " Pray 
on, brother Saul, peradventure God will pardon you ; I 
will pray for you"? Nay; all he said was: "'Saul, why 
tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away 
thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord," in addition 
to your prayers to God. 

The unl-eliever had three things to do : first, to be- 
lieve on the Lord Jesus Christ ; second, to repent ; third, 
to be baptized. The believing Pentecostians were com- 
manded to " repent and be baptized," as the preaching of 
Peter had already made tliem believe; they had two 
things to do. Saul did believe, did repent, and had but 
one thing that he must do — be baptized. 

For over an hour the speaker held the audience spell- 
bound by his eloquent and forcible presentation of the 
truth. For ten years I had been in Saul's condition. 



LIFE OF DE. W. H. HOPSOX. 25 

My family were all devoted Baptists, and when the yearly 
protracted *raeetings M-ere held I was always at my place 
on the mourncr's-bench, crying, like Saul, for mercy. I 
was taught that God was very angry with me, and that 
when, by tears and strong cries, I had appeased His wrath, 
He would send His Holy Spirit down and in some tangi- 
ble way make me conscious that my sins were forgiven. 
Still I was impressed tliat there was something for me 
to do. I would ask the aged man of God, '* What must I, 
what can I do to be forgiven ?'' Without an exception the 
answer was, " Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you 
will be saved." I know I wanted to believe, I j)rayed 
that I might believe, and I thought I did believe. I do 
not think I can remember the time when I did not be- 
lieve and love God and Christ, yet no peace came. 

The minister closed his sermon with a touching ap- 
peal to sinners. I do not remember the song, nor the 
benediction; I felt as one walking in a dream. I had 
never seen a Christian preacher, nor ever heard a gospel 
sermon before. My only thought was, Can this be true ? 
Can we understand the Bible for ourselves? I was anx- 
ious to be at home, with my Bible in ray hand, to see if 
these things were so. I read the " Acts of the Apostles" 
through twice, before I retii-ed. It was all there, just as 
the preacher had said. No word was taken from, nor 
one added, and tor the first time in my life I understood 
the scheme of redemption. 

I felt satisfied with myself; I had believed, I had re- 
pented, I had been baptized (so I thought), though there 
was not much water there when the act was performed. 
Tlien with this new light I could walk bravely on in my 
Christian life, and read and interpret the divine word for 



26 LIFE OF DE. W. H. HOPSON. 

myself. I never once dreamed that added light would 
send me adrift from all my old moorings. 

The next day was the Sabbath, as I had been taught 
to call it ; and, thank God, it was the last Sabbath I slept 
in the tomb of sectarianism. I remained at home until 
evening, reading the new revelation ; but, in the midst 
of my rejoicing, there came a sudden thought. Is it pos- 
sible that these contemned people are right, and all these 
denominations that I have known from childhood are 
wrong? It was a startling idea to one who had never 
heard of the Christian Church, but always heard it called 
Campbellite or New Light. 

I tried to console myself with the thought that, so I 
was in the church, it did not matter what branch I be- 
longed to, as all worshipers of every nation, kindred and 
tongue belonged to the invisible church of God. Thus 
firmly settled that all was well with me, and, strong in 
the armor of sectarian prejudice, I sought an interview 
with a lady belonging to the contemned sect, whose ac- 
quaintance I had made without knowing her religious 
status, until I saw her in church among the members. I 
found her at home, and pleased to see me, expressing her 
gratification that I was at church the night before. With- 
out any preliminaries, we entered at once upon the discus- 
sion of our different views religiously. Each of us had a 
Testament. Step by step she drove me from what I 
thought my impregnable position. 

Just as we were in the height of our argument, visitors 
were announced, and the two preachers entered the parlor. 
After an introduction. Sister C. stated my difficulties to 
Bro. Henderson. His clear ynd concise reasoning soon 
demolished my last stronghold, and, humiliated and mor- 
tified, I rose to leave. Mrs. C. asked me if I would like 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 27 

for her to call for me to go to church with her. I could 
scarcely repress the tears of vexatiou, and steady my voice 
enough to decline her invitation. 

I went home, thanking that other preacher in my 
heart that he forbore to say a word. He did not even 
seem to have heard the conversation. 

When church time arrived, a spirit of perversity 
seized me, and I determined to go to meeting that night 
to show those people I was not afraid of their sons of 
thunder. I thought I was satisfied that " any application 
of water to the person in the name of the Trinity " was 
baptism, and that I was as much a member of the body 
of Christ as any of the new sect. 

Dr. Hopson preached that night on the conversion of 
the eunuch. His first point was, The qualification of 
the preacher. The second, tlie ignorance of the eunuch. 
Third, Jesus only was preached, and fully. Fourth, 
where learned the eunuch of water? Fifth, the confes- 
sion and its meaning. Sixth, did he rejoice before or 
after his baptism? Seventh, was he pardoned or not? 
Eighth, if I baptize a man on that confession, will I do 
right or wrong ? Whom shall we trust if we believe not 
Jesus Christ ? " If I do wrong, Philip did wrong, and 
the Holy Spirit did wrong, for He directed the evangelist 
in every act." 

For the first time in my life I heard of a scriptural 
mode of baptism. " They both went down into the water, 
and he baptized him ; and when they came up out of the 
water he rejoiced." I was stripped of my baptism, and, 
of course, of my church ; for, if I had not been baptized, 
I wag not in the Church of Christ, nor could I be. I 
had never gone down into the water, nor been buried or 
planted witli Christ in the likeness of his death. 



28 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

When the preacher closed his sermon amid breathless 
silence, the invitation hymn was sung. I walked forward 
the first one that night to take a stand upon the Bible alone. 
I had no thought of such a step until conscience and con- 
viction forced me to it. I did not desire to take the step; 
I knew it would meet the condemnation of every relative 
and friend I had in the world. I should leave a popular 
and influential church, to connect myself Avith a despised 
and ostracised people. The struggle was short. Christ, 
peace, and infinite rest was what I sought, and I left all, 
if need be, to gain it. 

I was immersed by Dr. Hopson Monday morning 
following, and from that hour till now I have never had 
the shadow of a religious doubt, and have rejoiced in the 
truth always. 

The meeting continued two weeks, and it was a per- 
petual love-feast with the brethren. Their houses were 
thrown open, and the new converts were made to feel 
welcome and at home in their new relation. Bro. Hen- 
derson and wife were a nucleus for many social gatlierings, 
while the silent Doctor seemed to be a looker-on rather 
than a participant. 

"Did you not fall in love with Dr. Hopson, when 
you learned he was a widower?" No, I can not say 
that I did. I will give you several reasons : First, he 
was a minister. For many years of my life my father had 
lived next door to a Baptist parsonage. I had seen the 
deprivations and makeshifts of a preacher's wife and 
family, and had long ago made up my mind that 1 would 
never marry a preacher. Then he was a doctor. I thought 
that next to preaching, it was the poorest calling. If he 
did not starve his family, he would be bringing all sorts 
of diseases home to them — measles, scarlet fever, whoop- 



LIFE OF DR. AV, II. HOPSON. 29 

ing-cou^h, small pox. No, I could never marry a doc- 
tor ! AVorse than these, he was a Mason. If there was 
anything intolerable, it woukl be to have your husband 
go to the lodge two or three times a week, and be in 
the possession of a secret you could never buy nor beg 
fi'om him. Then, in addition to all these objections, he 
was a widower. To do him justice, I really thought that 
what there was left of him after subtracting these four 
objections, was very good ; but it was clearly not a case 
of love at first sight. 

Of one thing I am sure — that we did not have any 
time for talking until the meeting closed ; his con- 
versation was nearly always directed to the gentle- 
men. The meeting closed, and the next day was 
fixed for the departure of the Evangelist. When the 
down boat reached Dubuque, some of the machinery was 
broken, and she had to lay up for repairs. The next two 
days were spent by a large company of the members vis- 
iting points of interest in the vicinity of the city. I was 
fortunate enough to be among the number, and still 
more fortunate in having the silent Doctor for my es- 
pecial escort. We had a delightful time, and spent the 
whole day in rambling over hills and eating dinner. I 
enjoyed it very much, and almost lost sight of the four 
objections, but not quite. On consulting my feelings 
some four months afterward, and comparing them with 
those at that time, I feel quite sure I was not in love then. 

The brethren left Dubuque April 29th. Dr. Hopsou 
asked permission to write to me. We agreed to corre- 
spond, the result of which was a proposal of marriage, 
about the 1st of August, which, with my usual good 
sense, I accepted, the four objections notwithstanding. 
Distance had reduced their size wonderfully. His next 



30 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

letter asked me to set a time for our union. I named 
April, 1851. He wrote, in answer, that he would be in 
Dubuque the first day of October, and I must be ready 
to return to Missouri with him, giving me three weeks 
to get ready. 

He arrived the 28th of September, and we were mar- 
ried the 30th, 1850, Bro. M. Mobley, one of the elders 
of the congregation, performing the ceremony. The dear 
old man is still living in Washington city, and wrote me 
just after Cleveland was elected. He says : 

" I returned to the city in the spring of 1881, and got a good 
place in the Pension Office, where I am now laboring to aid the 
new Administration to get into good running order ; and when I 
think the machine can run without me, I will go home and spend 
the remaining years of my life. 

" I have been wonderfully preserved, and feel very thankful 
to a kind Providence. Here I am, eighty-five years old ; mind 
and memory unimpaired ; sight as good as it ever was, and i^hys- 
ically able to work at my desk from 9 a. m. till 4 p. m., and not 
feel weary." 

I had a letter from him not long ago ; he is * still 
living — eighty-seven years old this spring. 

* Bro. Mobley died since this manuscript was sent to press. 



CHAPTER V. 

A Proposition. — Visit to his Mother. — Return to Fayette.— Call 
to Act as State Evangelist — Visit to Columbia, Paris, ^Mexico. 
— Providential Escape. — Meeting in the Court-house in Mex- 
ico. — Debate with Elder Wm. G. Caples. 

When we had been married but a few hours, he said 
to me, " Now, Ella, I want you to understand my views 
in regard to our future relationship. I shall be compelled 
to be from home frequently, to attend conventions, hold 
meetings, etc. I shall always take you with me when I 
can. I will select a home where we will stay at night. 
You are to make all arrangements for dining and taking 
tea; I do not want to dine or sup at one house and you 
at another. I will always be ready, when church time 
comes, to escort you, and not leave you to the care of 
strangers, or to find the way the best you can by yourself." 

Never, during our married life, has he failed to fulfill 
his self-imposed task. He would rarely ever visit with- 
out me. I would often say : " Doctor, it does not suit 
me to go to-day.'* " Theq it does not suit me," he would 
respond; "I am ready to go whenever you are." 

Our first visit, after our marriage, was to see the Doc- 
tor's mother in St. Louis, where we met a most cordial wel- 
come. We only remained a few days, when we went up 
to Hannibal and remained over Lord's day, the guests of 
Capt. Archie Robards. We went by stage through Paris 
and Huntsville to Fayette, where my work as a preach- 
er's wife fairly beojan. From that time till now, our lives 

31 



32 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

have been so thoroughly united that I am frequently 
called upon to use the j)ronoun we, and hope I shall not 
be accused of egotism in so doing. 

He preached in Fayette and Howard counties until 
January, except one Sunday in the month at Brunswick, 
thirty-five miles from Fayette. He held a meeting of 
two weeks there, and I accompanied him once, riding all 
the way on horseback. The snow was six inches deep, 
and the roads impassable fur a buggy. 

In January, 1851, the State meeting appointed and 
called him to accept the position of State Evangelist, as 
one who was able to state fully and clearly the truths of 
the Reformation to the people. After some prayerful 
thought, he consented, and began his work at once. He 
thought it best to confine his operations to the towns and 
cities during the winter months, and visit country places 
in the spring and summer, when churches there would be 
more accessible. 

Father Hayden took possession of him at once, and 
took him with him to Springfield, to hold his first meet- 
ing. They went in Father Hayden's private carriage, 
and held a meeting of two weeks. The result was a 
large accession to the church. 

On his return he began a year's work I shall never 
forget. We left Fayette the last of January. The 
Doctor had two good horses and a buggy ; our baggage 
was in a trunk strapped on behind, and a small valise in 
front. We only took with us what we absolutely 
needed. His first meeting was held at Columbia. We 
were the guests of Pres. Shannon, that prince of en- 
tertainers, and his lovely family. He was grand in his 
scholarship and attainments, but grander in his simplic- 
ity. He was as lovable as a little child. 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 33 

After Dr. Hopson liad preached one or two sermons, 
he asked President Shannon to criticize him in manner, 
matter and pronunciation. He promised he would do so. 
After our return from church tliat night, the Doctor 
called for his report. He said : " I have not a single 
suggestion to make as to manner or matter." The Doc- 
tor was gratified, of course, and said, " How many words 
did I mis])ronounce ?" " Well, Doctor, how many words 
do you suppose you used ?" " I suppose eight or ten 
thousand." "Then \ou mispronounced all but one — 
leisure.^' The Doctor was aghast. In a moment the 
President burst out laughing. " According to your 
standard (Webster), all were pronounced right but one ; 
according to mine (Worcester), all were wrong but one." 
You may imagine, if you can, the Doctor's relief at the 
explanation. 

He preached two weeks, and closed his meeting with 
thirty-six additions. 

From Columbia he went to Paris, and spent t^^o 
weeks, resulting in some forty additions. Bro. J. C. 
Fox entertained us. Paris was the banner church, as 
Monroe was the banner county, of Missouri. It could 
not fail to be, with such men as brethren Thomas, Fox, 
Crutcher, Conyers, Moss, and a score of others. 

Mexico was the next point. Our brethren had no 
building in which to worship, and the court-house was 
secured for the meetins". 

We left Paris on a cold, rainy March morning. It 
had snowed all night, and about two or three inches 
of beautiful snow lay on the ground. We traveled 
slowly on, the snow melting and the rain increasing, 
until the horses would almost refuse to face it. The 
streams along the route had become so swollen that Dr. 



34 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

Hopson had taken one of the horses out several times, 
and ridden across them, to test the depth. We reached 
Skull Lick, a narrow stream four miles from Mexico, 
just at sunset. It did not look dangerous, and it was so 
late, the Doctor said he would venture across without his 
usual precaution. The road into it led through a deep 
cut in the bank, but little wider than the wagon road. 
He drove in, and by the time the hind wheels entered 
the stream the water was up to the middle of the horses. 
The Doctor soon saw they would be in swimming water, 
and told me to get up on the buggy seat and jump to 
the bank, which was just level with it. I was not slow 
in obeying my husband, and landed safely. He threw 
our satchel and bulFalo robe after me, and drove on. In 
another moment the buggy was ought of sight, and only 
his head and shoulders visible. One horse could not 
swim, but would go to the bottom and spring out of the 
water and sink again. Fortunately, the stream was nar- 
row, else he would have been drowned. It was an awful 
moment; I was paralyzed with terror and utterly power- 
less. Before the horses became exhausted, they struck 
the bank ; but the swift current had washed them below 
the ford, and the tongue of the buggy caugiit on some 
willows, throwing both the horses down into the water. 
One got up, and, in the struggle, put his foot on the other 
horse's collar and held him under the water. The Doctor 
jumped as far toward the shore as he could, going com- 
pletely under the water, and, swimming out, he got the 
horses free and their heads out of the water. He then 
called for me to come over and help him. I could not 
swim, and saw no sort of bridge ; but, after wading along 
the bank through slush and snow, I found a fallen tree 



LIFE OF 1)U. W. II. IIOPSON. 35 

about fifty yards above the ford, and crawled Through 
the branches onto the body and got across safely. 

I held the horses' heads above water by the bridles 
until the Doctor could cut the harness loose and get them 
up the bank. The poor things shook as if with ague, 
they were so thoroughly ciiilied in the icy stream. The 
Doctor called repeatedly for help. At last a man who 
was skinning a deer half a mile away heard him and came 
to his assistance. After a severe struggle they succeeded 
in getting the buggy to the bank and over a deep gully 
into the road. By dark they had mended the harness 
with raw deer-hide. 

We had a long hill to ascend, up which I walked to 
restore the circulation to m} chilled feet. It was dark when 
we reached the top. I could but think of the darkness 
we read of as covering Egypt — it was simply impenetrable. 
We could not see our hand before our face, and still had 
four miles of dangerous road to travel. There were few, 
if any, houses near the road, and we pushed on, trusting 
in God. We reached Mexico at 9 o'clock. No one ex- 
pected us after dark, but we received a warm welcome at 
the home of John B. Clark, a noble Jason whose good 
wife was a member of the church. We could scarcely 
convince our friends we were really there, and the next 
day several gentlemen rode over part of the road we 
had traveled the night before, to see if we were telling 
the truth. We had indeed come over a bridge on which 
there was not a single plank. The bridge had washed 
away a number of times, and the county determined to 
build a substantial structure next time. They had cut 
down large trees, and laid them across for stringers ; after 
hewing tlie top level, they were nearly, if not quite, 
eighteen inches wide. There were four of them laid 



36 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

down, a few feet apart. When the hori^es came to it they 
refused to move. The Doctor knew something was 
wrong, and got out of the buggy, and with liis whip 
handle, felt his way along and struck one of the stringers. 
He knew it must be something like a bridge by the 
sound. He walked across and back, rapping with his 
whip. He then took hold of the bridle of his leader^ 
which would follow him anywhere. Each horse and the 
wheels took a log, and we were landed safely on the other 
side instead of at the bottom of a ravine thirty feet deep. 
When the gentlemen found the tracks on the hewn logs 
and told us of the awful danger w'e had escaped, I felt 
that God had most wonderfully preserved our lives that 
day, and I felt so thankful for his mercies that I did not 
grieve very much when I opened my trunk, Mdiich was 
under the water half an hour, and found everything in 
it saturated with water, my Sunday bonnet ruined, the 
color of a green cashmere dress washed out, and discol- 
ored ribbons, gloves, handkerchiefs. I thought of the 
old story of the milkmaid, ''And green it shall be," and 
tried to make the best of it. Some may call our escape 
good luck ; I call it a special providence. This was my 
baptism and consecration as a preacher's w^ife. 

For two weeks he preached to a crowded court-house. 
He had thirty-live additions, the church was greatly 
strengthened, and took a new impetus, and has become 
one of the leading churches of the State. He held several 
meetings there afterwards, at one of which he had ninety 
additions, and at another forty or fifty. Elders Jacob 
and Joseph Coons both lived there, and always aided the 
Doctor by prayers and exhortations, and Bro. T. M. Allen 
would always come to the Doctor's meetings w'hen he 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 37 

could leave home. The Doctor was always proud of the 

sympathy and encouraijemeut of these dear old men. 

From Mexico the Doctor went to Hannibal, to hold a 

meeting, which was turned into a debate by the following 

appeal from twenty-five gentlemen, none of whom were 

members of the Christian Church : 

"Hannibal, March 25, 1851. 
" Eev. W. G. Caples and Rev. Dr. Hopson, Gentlemen : — We, 
the undersigned citizens of Hannibal, would be gratified if you 
would meet and publicly discuss the points of difference between 
the Methodist Episcopal Church and the Reformed or Christian 
Church. An early answer is required. 

" Respectfully, etc. (Names)." 

"Gentlemen: — Incompliance with the above invitation, the 
undersigned agree to meet at the Methodist Ciiurch South, in the 
city of Hannibal, on the 7th day of April next, at 9 o'clock a. m., 
and discuss the following propositions : 

" First Proposition — Sprinkliny; or pourino; water on a believer, 
by an authorized person, in the name of the Father, Son and Holy 
Ghost, is Christian baptism. Mr. Caples affirms. 

" Second Proposition — Totlie Penitent believer, baptism is for 
the remission of sins. Dr. Hopson affirms. 

" Third Proposition — The infant children of believing parents 
are proper subjects of Christian baptism. Mr. Caples affirms- 

" Fourth Proposition — The Holy Spirit in conversion operates 
only through the word. Dr. Hopson affirms. 

"The debate to be continued from day to day, until the sev" 
eral propositions are disposed of. 

" VVm. G. Caples, 

" WiNTHROP H. Hopson." 

Bro. S. S. Church, of St. Louis, was selected by Dr. 
Hopson to consult and advise with. The debate occu- 
pied the wdiole week and was very exciting, but did not 
engender bitterness, as both parties were courteous and 
maintained a Christian demeanor throughout. After 
the debate the Doctor held a very successful meeting, to 
the great gratification of the brethren. 



CHAPTER VI. 

Visited my Relatives in Batavia, 111. — My Brother's Letter De- 
scribing the Meeting. — Other Visits Made there. — His Esti- 
mate of Dr. Hopson. 

As yet Dr. Hopson had never seen any of my rela- 
tives, and concluded to visit them at this time. I will 
let my brother, M. N. Lord, describe his visit to Ba- 
tavia, and my family : 

" Dr. Hopson's first visit to myself and other relatives of his 
wife then living in Batavia, 111., occurred the last of April, 1851. 
I was verj^ favorably impressed at our introduction upon his 
arrival. His j^ersoneUe pleased me. His dignified, manly and 
erect figure; his splendid physique; his gentlemanly, courtly 
and pleasing address; his frank, open and kindly way of ap- 
proaching one, not only challenged one's admiration and com- 
manded respect, but it compelled one to give him a warm place 
in one's heart. This much for my first impression. 

" At the time I was baptized, there was an understanding 
between the Baptists and myself, that I would worship with 
them until I found a people who took the Bible, and the Bible 
alone, as their rule of faith and practice. In accordance with, 
such understanding, I remained with them until this visit of Bro. 
Hopson's. My position with the Baptists opened the way for 
him to preach in the church. In fact, at that time I controlled 
the house. Another fortunate circumstance occurred to make 
the enterprise easy. The Baptist minister was away on a vaca- 
tion of two weeks; hence no opjiosition from that quarter. The 
arrangement was made immediately after Bro. Hopson's arrival, 
to speak several nights, as well as on Lord's day. I had notices 
circulated throughout the town and neighborhood, and the peo- 
ple who had never heard a Christian preacher came together to 
see what new doctrine this man had to teach. Methodists, Bap- 
tists, Presbyterians, Congregationalist.s, Universali.sts, religious 
and irreligious people were all represented. 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 39 

" What my sister had written and said to me about Bro. 
Hopson's ability as a preacher and teacher, had aroused my 
curiosity and given me quite an exalted idea of his power. It is 
almost thirty -six years since that night, memorable to me. His 
themes selected for the occasion, as I now remember, were as 
follows: 'The Sonship,' in which he proved that God had 
selected ' His Son,' through whom he spoke to man. Those who 
have listened to his logic and eloquence when presenting the 
claims of the Son of God, and especially when he was at the 
summit of his fame as a preacher of the gospel, can well imagine 
that the mass of people before him on the first night were spell- 
bound. His simple but clearly stated propositions; his proof 
adduced; his logical and masterly arguments; his summing up 
his case on the ends of his fingers — presenting the whole in such 
a way that all could see the structure in all its parts, and com- 
prehend and understand it. Added to the matter presented was 
his manner as a speaker. All were pleased; but when, at the 
close, he made his appeal to the people, all hearts were cap- 
tivated. They wanted to hear more. 

" The next night the house was crowded long before church 
time. His theme was ' The Inauguration.' As ,it was the first 
night, so it was the second. When we separated for the night, we 
all agreed upon one point — and that was, we must hear more of 
the new doctrine. 

" The third night, as I sat in that large and silent audience, 
giving him my profound attention as I listened to his discourse 
on the ' Exaltation and Coronation of the Son of God,' I thought 
then, and still think, it was the greatest subject ever presented to 
men or angels. I thought then, and still think, it the most sub- 
lime theme that ever challenged the attention of sinners or saints on 
the earth. I thought then, and still think, that the effort made 
by Bro. Hopson that night has never been excelled, and seldom 
equalled. The intellectual structure reared by him that night, 
founded upon the sublimest of all themes, was the grandest and 
most solid that mortal man ever gazed upon. That speech, as all 
the others he preached at that time, although thirty-six years 
have intervened, is as fresh in my mind as the night I first heard 
it. The impression made was deep, indelible and lasting. I can 
repeat the sermons to-day; so with all I ever heard him preach. 
They were all uniform. Since I listened to those discourses I 
have had the pleasure of hearing Alexander Campbell and all of 



40 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

our distinguished men — and we have had, and now have, 
preachers of great ability — but of them all, Dr. Wintlirop H. 
Hopson, taken as a whole, is my model preacher. 

" His fourth speech was on ' Rightly Dividing the Word of 
Truth.' This was the one subject, of all others, I most needed. 
Eternity will not be long enough to blot out the impression made 
upon my mind. The Bible, from that night, was no longer mys- 
terious in any of its parts. It was plain and simple. From that 
date I felt competent to instruct others in the way of life. To 
this, the many hundreds whom I have baptized will bear testi- 
mony. How little do they realize that, under God, they are in- 
debted to Bro. Hopson, wlio was my instructor in the Word ! 

■' His meeting closed with two confessions and baptisms, al- 
though no particular effort was made at that time, as there was 
no Church of Christ in Batavia, or nearer than Chicago. How- 
ever, the impression made upon the minds of his hearers, in a 
short time brought forth fruit. I soon had a church organized, 
and the work was continued. Bro. Hopson returned in August, 
1853, and held another meeting, which resulted in ten additions. 
His stay was short. 

" In October, 1858, he again visited us, and delivered seven 
or eight discourses and had tifteen confessions. I was in business 
in Chicago, and not present at this last meeting. 

" From Batavia he came into Chicago. The church in Chicago 
was then worshiping in their new church, which I had caused 
the brethren to build on Monroe Street, Brethren Honore and 
Major furnishing a large portion of the means. Here Bro. Hopson 
held a meeting of ten days, with about twenty additions. 

"Touching my impressions of Bro. Hopson, I deem it proper 
to state, in conclusion, that for thirty-six years I have looked upon 
him as one wholly devoted to the great interests of the kingdom 
of Christ. The resurrection and exaltation of the Son of God 
gave inspiration and impulse to his loyal, loving and generous 
heart, while every instinct of that heart was interwoven with his 
love for his Master and his desire to save sinners ; it was always 
filled with sympathy for the erring, who had alienated themselves 
from human love as well as divine favor. The victories of the 
Gospel to him have been grander in achievement, more glorious 
in results, and far greater in magnitude — because victories of 
peace— than all the victories of this world's wars have been to its 
heroes. 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 41 

" Bro. Hopson's rare gifts as a Christian orator ; his clear, in- 
cisive and logical way of stating his propositions ; his convincing 
proofs and his demonstrative reasoning, made him conspicuous 
everywhere he preached. His loyalty to the ' Word of God '; his 
fidelity to the truth, and his unfaltering determination to stand 
by both ; his boldness and frankness of character ; his energy 
and force of manner, and his zeal in the advocacy of the claims 
of Christ and Christianity, classed him among the ablest speakers 
in or out of the Christian Church. 

" His earth work, in all probability, is finished. He is no 
longer a conspicuous figure among his peers, in the restoration of 
the ' Gospel and Church of Christ'; his voice will be heard no 
more in the councils of the brotherhood: but his fidelity to 
Christ, his example in the church and before the world, with the 
great work he has done, will be cherished in the loving hearts of 
thousands of his brethren and sisters in Christ, who remember 
him in the strength of his manhood. 

" M. N. Lord. 

" GlexN Lord, Mich., February, 1887." 



CHAPTER VII. 

Visit to Pittsfleld, Carrollton, Calloway Co., Booneville. — Ma- 
sonry more Liberal than Sectarianism. — Visit to Warsaw. — 
Primitive Hospitality. — Visit to Versailles. 

On our way to Batavia, in 1851, after the debate in 
Hannibal, we visited Pittsfield, Illinois, where Mr. Jones 
Clark, an uncle of Dr. Hopson, lived. The Doctor 
preached there several days, and had fifteen or twenty 
additions. It was the home of the eccentric Billy 
Brown. From there we went to Carrollton, and left our 
horses and buggy until our return. We had a romantic 
trip on the Illinois river and the "raging kanawl " from 
Alton to Chicago. Dr. Hopson had an aunt living in 
Carrollton — Mrs. Lucy Samuels. We paid her a short 
visit and left for St. Louis. We remained but a few days 
with mother, and from there the Doctor drove through to 
Fulton to visit our daughter, whom we had not seen for 
three months. She was with her aunt in Fulton, where 
she remained until we were through the year's work and 
settled in Palmyra. We then paid a visit to the Doc- 
tor's grandmother, who still lived on the old homestead 
on Nine Mile Prairie. While there, the Doctor preached 
in the Antioch Church, where the Cowherds, McMahons, 
Duncans and Mosbys were members. They were a 
grand, good people all through that county. There were 
quite a large number of additions to the church during 
the meeting. 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 43 

From there we crossed the river to Booneville. We 
had very few brethren there. He could not get a church 
to preach in, and was refused the Court-house unless he 
would give bonds, if the house was burned, to pay dam- 
ages. He made himself known as a Mason, and his 
Masonic brethren secured a hall, took the seats out of 
their lodges, and gave him a good hearing. He did not 
think best, under the circumstances, to attempt to organ- 
ize a church, but later I think he and Bro. T. M. Allen 
visited the city and succeeded in getting together the 
nucleus of a congregation. 

His next appointment was at Warsaw, on the Osage 
river. This was his second visit there. He preached in 
town every night, and during the days at a church four 
miles in the country. He had twenty-five confessions 
at Warsaw and thirty-three in the country. During the 
meetings he preached three times a day, and usually bap- 
tized twice after preaching, in the afternoon and after 
night meeting. 

He closed his meeting at night, and had barely 
reached home when he was attacked with a congestive 
chill and came near dying, but the third day he got up 
out of bed, was assisted to mount a horse, and with some 
one to lead the horse and another to steady him in the 
saddle, he rode down to the river to immerse a gentleman 
who was compelled to leave in a few hours. One of the 
brethren went into the water to assist him, but the water 
revived and stimulated him so he was able to go through 
with his work. 

His next meeting was to be held in the neighborhood 
of Bro. Wilkes' father, but he had an appointment to 
preach at Versailles on the way. In order to meet his 
engagement he said he must leave Warsaw that evening 



44 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

and go part of the way. We all remonstrated, but he 
was firm, and we left at 4 p. m. We had a very easy- 
riding buggy and two good, gentle horses. We made 
him comfortable, and I drove for him. Sunset found us 
in the middle of a large prairie ; not a house in sight 
except a small log cabin. We had ridden ten miles, and 
the Doctor was too much fatigued to go furtlier. The 
prospect was not inviting, but we had no alternative but 
to call for shelter for the night. The house contained 
but one room and a small shed attached, but the woman's 
pleasant face and her large heart compensated for re- 
stricted quarters. We were cordially welcomed, but the 
woman said she had no bread in tlie house and only a 
little corn meal, with nothing but green corn and grass 
for our horses. Thanks to dear Sister Atkinson, we had 
a basket filled with excellent lunch, and did not need to 
trouble the good woman further than for a glass of milk. 

After we had made a light supper, we gave the mother 
and three little ones all the bread, butter and cold ham 
they wanted, and had plenty left for another day. The 
host of the house had gone to mill and would not return 
till the next day. His absence left ample sleeping room. 
There were two large beds and a trundle-bed in the room. 
The one given us as guests was a comfortable, fat feather 
bed, with two snowy woolen blankets for sheets and two 
small pillows without cases. We accepted tliese with 
thanks, although the thermometer was 90°. We got 
along very well, as there was a huge chimney at the end 
of the cabin, the doors were left open, and the chinking 
was out from between the logs in places. 

Fatigue and a clear conscience soon put us to sleep. 
We arose the next morning at four o'clock, in order to 
get a good drive before the heat of the day came on. 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 45 

After two hours' ride we called at a farm house, were 
greatly refreshed and strengthened by a good breakfast, 
and our horses were gratified in like manner. 

We then drove till twelve, and found a good resting- 
place at a hotel with a long porch in front of it. I made 
the Doctor a pallet on the floor, and he was only too glad 
to stretch hiiDself out and rest. We left at four and 
reached Versailles in time for supper and a little rest 
before church time. The Doctor had to preach in the 
Court-house, as we had no church. He was too weak to 
stand up, and a dry-goods box was provided, from which 
he delivered an hour's discourse. If I had only known, 
what has been learned since, that Paul did not mean what 
he said when he commanded women not to speak in 
church, I might have relieved my husband and preached 
for him. 

You can not imagine how thankful we were when we 
found ourselves comfortably housed in a quiet, airy 
room. Under such circumstances we learn the meaning 
of the word rest. We spent the following day with our 
hospitable hostess, who was a Methodist. We had no 
members in the town. 



CHAPTER yill. 

Novel Experiences. — Life among a Primitive People. — How I 
became Popular. — Crowds Attending the Meetings, Coming 
sometimes from Fifty to One Hundred Miles. 

The next three months opened up to rae a new 
glimpse of life. Some would have said we were outside 
the pale of civilization ; but we soon found we were in 
the midst of the highest type of civilization — Christian 
civilization. For nearly three months we never saw a 
newspaper, with the exception of one number of the 
Water Cure Journal, hut plenty of Bibles and hymn- 
books, and, better still, we found a Bible reading, Bible 
loving, Bible obeying people, primitive in dress, manner 
of living and worship. They had great Christian hearts 
ready to drink in the water of life freely. 

For three months the Doctor held a succession of 
meetings, and at one meeting one hnndred became obe- 
dient to the faith. The country was sparsely settled at 
that time, but men and women would follow from settle- 
ment to settlement to hear the precious word, some com- 
ing from fifty to one hundred miles and staying two or 
three weeks. They were hungering and thirsting for the 
preaching. 

I never knew the Doctor to be as much " enthused." 
He seemed to feel that every word he uttered was seed 
sown in good ground, that would bring forth fruit to the 
glory of God. We went from house to house, so as to 
visit all the people. Bro. Philip Mulkey was the only 



LIFE OF DR. VV. H. HOPSON. 47 

preacher in the county, if not in all that region. He 
was a faithful, good man. 

The churches were nearly all built of logs, as were 
the houses. They were seated with slabs or planks with 
legs driven into them, and without any backs. The men 
came to church in their blue jeans clothes, often coatless ; 
the ladies with calico dresses and sun-bonnets — the elder 
women loften with their blue calico tobacco bags and 
pipes, so as to have a quiet smoke at recess. When they 
went to church it was for all day. A dinner that would 
tempt the appetite of an epicure was always spread on 
tables in a grove, and all were made welcome. 

The singing notified the people that it was time to 
meet for preaching again. They did not have to sing 
two or three songs before the people would gather, but 
almost before the first stanza was concluded all would be 
in their places, and the most profound attention was 
given to the services. 

I have often heard men and women complain of 
hard seats and long sermons on Sunday, who would go 
to a circus or theatre, sit on the hard seats from two to 
three hours, and never cry out once. But these dear 
people never complained once of hard seats or aching 
backs while listening to a sermon of one hour and a half 
to two hours, and two or three exhortations and songs — 
and, indeed, would have felt badly treated if the exer- 
cises had been curtailed. 

What a grand interchange of religious views we had 
while discussing those delightful dinners. There was 
nothing too good for the preacher and his wife. 

One day I made my dinner oflF snowy light bread, 
golden butter, and the clearest honey, in the comb, sup- 
plemented by rich cream. I expressed my delight at the 



48 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

feast. After that enough honey was brought every day 
to tempt all the bees in Christendom. 

When we first started on our tour I was a poor 
talker, but my husband told me I must learn to talk to 
the people, or he should have to send me home. He 
said that his popularity as a preacher depended greatly on 
me. This was something new to me. I had heard and 
known much of preachers, but had never heard much 
about preachers' wives. All that I had ever known, 
made me feel very sorry for them. I had never dreamed 
that it was possible for a preacher's wife to add to 
the popularity of her husband. 

With this motive before me, I soon learned to discuss 
the wheel and loom, poultry, cheese-making, planting in 
the moon, curing bacon, etc., until I quite satisfied my 
husband, and came near becoming the more popular. 

I was unfortunate in not remembering people's 
names, while he was famous for calling by name 
every one that he was introduced to, if he heard it 
properly. He always spoke to and shook hands with 
those whose acquaintance he had made. I did, too, but 
unfortunately I did not know whom I did or did not 
know, and for fear I should slight some one of the 
brethren or sisters, I shook hands wirh everybody that 
looked at me as if they knew me ; so they concluded that 
the Doctor was the finest preacher they ever heard, but 
a little bit proud, but that wife of his was not a bit 
proud — it did not make any difference whether I had 
been introduced or not ; I was just as friendly as if 
I had. 

1 enjoyed the situation, you may be sure, and got no 
more lectures about making my husband popular. 

Wherever we went for the night the crowd went, and 



LIFE OF DK. W. 11. IIOPSON. 49 

often us many as twenty or thirty people stayed at the 
same house with us. You may ask what disposition was 
made of them. There was usually two rooms and a hall 
and summer kitchen. The brethren would sit outdoors 
vmder the sliade of the trees, and talk with tl>e Doctor, 
while the sisters were cooking supper. Those not help- 
ing the hostess would honor me with their attention, 
while I told them what things I had learned of my hus- 
band. Tliey were eager to learn, and would ask me 
questions with whieii they did not like to trouble the 
Doctor. 

When retiring time came we were given the best 
bed, with a bedstead. My large double shawl hung 
from the joists, made our part of the room private. As 
soon as we liad retired, comforts, blankets, etc., were 
called into requisition, and the floor was covered with the 
sisters, from wliose gentle whispers we gained many 
useful lessons. By the time we were ready to rise, the 
ladies' toilets were made and they were out of the room. 
The other room was occupied by the men as a sleeping 
room. This was our manner of life for months. I write 
this to show the training of a preacher's wife thirty- 
five years ago. When I look back I thank God for 
that experience, and that I had the privilege of knowing 
such God-loving and God-fearing people. I have met 
many good, earnest Christians since, but few as un- 
worldly and fully devoted to the service of God as 
those. I hope to meet them all on the other shore, and 
renew the acquaintance of other days. 



CHAPTER IX. 

Doctor's Meeting at Springfield. — Osceola. — The Man who Joined 
Dr. Hopson. — Calhoun, Henry County. — Georgetown, Pettis 
County. — Cholera. — Confession and Baptism of Fourteen 
Young Ladies. 

From Miller county we went to Springfield, where 
the Doctor preached ten days. Some of the time it was 
estimated that 2,000 people were in attendance. It was 
the first of August ; the weather was oppressive. A 
large arbor was built back of the church, and the win- 
dow taken out, so that the people could hear outside the 
house. Long before the time for preaching, the house 
would be crowded, even the pulpit steps full. One day 
we were a little behind the rest, and I could not find a 
seat anywhere but in the pulpit with Bro. Bills, Father 
Hayden, and two or three others. It happened to be a 
tall affair, and hid me effectually from the people in 
front, and I tried to make myself as small as possible. 
I had said to the Doctor often that the church at Fayette 
called me as State Evangelist first (as he was absent when 
it was done, and I had to notify him), and that ] was en- 
titled to half the pay. When the time came for opening 
the meeting, instead of asking Bros. Bills or Hayden to 
open for him, he turned 'round and asked me. You may 
imagine my confusion and the intense amusement of the 
brethren. He had to open his own meeting that day. 
When asked for an explanation, he said if I had half 
pay I must do lialf the work, and he thought I might as 

50 



LIFE OF DK. W. H. IIOPSON. 51 

well begin then as any time. I never said more about 
dividing salary. 

Mrs. John S. Phelps, in writing of the meeting, says : 
** Dr. Hojxson, who has been holding a meeting in Spring- 
field, is now holding a like meeting in Osceola. In him 
meet all the characteristics of a gentleman and virtues of 
a Christian. All who listen attentively to the glorious 
truths of the gospel taught by him, are made better mor- 
ally, spiritually and intellectually." 

The secular press, in speaking of the meeting, says : 
^* Dr. Hopson has been addressing our community daily 
on the subject of Christianity since Saturday, and will 
continue his discourses another week. He is a logician 
and finished speaker. Aside from all doctrinal consider- 
ations, his addresses are highly intellectual, chaste, and 
richly stored with sacred literature. Our highest enjoy- 
ments are those flowing from intellectual exercises, and 
our citizens have been partaking of a ' feast of reason ' 
during the Doctor's sojourn with us." 

The meeting closed with thirty-five additions. The 
last week of the meeting, preaching was held under an 
arbor in the park. 

After leaving Springfield we visited Osceola, passing 
through Bolivar. Half-way between the two places the 
Doctor had an appointment at a log school-house. When 
we arrived, some twenty persons had assembled to hear 
preaching. Most of them were barefooted and some 
bareheaded. He preached to them on the " Things by 
Which We are Saved." At the conclusion he gave an 
invitation, and a man came up and made the confession. 
Dr. Hopson talked to him a few minutes, until he found 
that he understood the plan of salvation. The nearest 
water was a mile further on our road. The whole audi- 



52 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSOX. 

encc followed our buggy to the creek. The man had no 
preparation to make, as he was dressed to suit the occa- 
sion ; pants, a sliirt and straw hat was his wardrobe, as 
he was barefooted. The Doctor had an extra pair of 
pants in the satchel, and, making a hasty toilet in the 
woods, he was soon ready, and baptized the man, who 
went on his way rejoicing. The Doctor never expected 
to hear of him again, but Bro. T. M. Allen was preach- 
ing somewhere on the south side, when this man came up 
to take membership, upon Bro. Allen's invitation. On 
questioning him, he said he did not know what church 
he belonged to, but that he joined Dr. Hopson, and that 
he preached just like liim. He had his certificate of 
baptism the Doctor had given him at the time. 

On our arrival at Osceola we were made welcome at 
the home of Bro. E. C Davis and his most excellent and 
lovely family. While the town could boast of a great 
deal of intellectuality, it was rather proud of its infi- 
delity, that is, among some of its leading men, especially 
among the young men. Dr. Hopson soon found lie had 
to preach much on the evidences of Christianity before 
he could touch the hearts of these people. This he made 
the objective point in all his discourses. He made many 
warm friends among men of the world, who gave him a 
patient, candid hearing and went to studying their Bihles. 
Seven confessions were the result of the meeting, and it 
was considered quite a triumph for the cause. I copy 
the following from the town paper : 

" Protracted Meeting. — Dr. Winthrop H. Hopson, State 
Evangelist of tlie Christian Ciiurcli, closed an interesting meeting 
last Monday, resulting in seven additions to the church. Through 
twenty-two discourses. Dr. H. had the attention of a large audi- 
ence, who were enchained by his eloquence, instructed by his 
biblical research, and delighted with his rich illustrations from 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 53 

sacred literature. Few speakers possess the faculty, in such a 
high degree, of gaining the undivided attention of a com- 
munity. 

" Pending the meeting, the church at Osceola was duly organ- 
ize(l, and constituted a church after the primitive order — E. C. 
Davis, Elder, and Harlan Hays, Deacon, to the congregation." 

Our next stopping-place was Calhoun, Henry county 
Dr. Hopson had an uncle, Dr. Logan Clark, living there, 
M'ho he was anxious to visit. VVe spent a week with 
him, the Doctor preaching at night and resting in the 
day. I think he had several additions, but do not re- 
member the number. 

His next appointment was at Georgetown, Pettis 
county, four miles from where Sedalia now stands. It 
was a delightful little village, filled with most excellent 
people. Here we met that good man, Bro. Allen 
Wright. He was an old friend of Dr. Hopson's. He 
called on us at once, and brought with him a bottle of 
cholera medicine and insisted the Doctor should keep it 
by him. He said a numbtr (I think, sixteen) of deaths 
had occurred from the disease a few weeks before, and 
we might be liable to it. The Doctor took the bottle 
with thanks and I put it in my trunk, little thinking it 
would periiaps save my life. 

I was fatigued and not feeling very well, and did 
not go to church that night. When the Doctor returned 
I was still more indisposed, but did not let him know 
it. He went to sleep, worn out witli liis day's work. By 
one o'clock I was very ill, unable to raise my head. I 
woke him, and he said at once it was cholera I was suf- 
fering from. He got the medicine Bro. Wright gave 
him, and poured it down my throat every hour until cir- 
culation was restored and I was saved, but was quite il! 
for a week and did not fully recover for months. 



54 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

His meeting here was a very interesting one. A 
singular feature was the confession of fourteen young 
ladies, nearly the same age. Ten of them came up at the 
same time, and the four other at the next meeting. They 
went into the water together, and were all dressed in 
black silk. It was a strange fancy, but they arranged 
the matter among themselves and all acquiesced. Before 
they went down into the water the Doctor called me to 
him, and told me that while he was talking to the crowd 
assembled to witness the baptism, the friends of the 
young ladies should rip the seams of their dress skirts 
near the waist, so as to let the air rise up from under the 
skirts, for he could never make them sink unless they 
did. They were very grateful, and in a few minutes 
were ready. It was a beautiful siglit when they went 
into the water with their arms around each other, and all 
remained till all were immersed. 



CHAPTER X. 

Close of South Side Mission.— Swimming Creeks. — Crossing Prai- 
ries. — Visiting Everybody. — Changing Rooms. — Meetings at 
New London, Paris, Lick Creek, Hannibal. — Change of Loca- 
tion to the Mississippi River. — One Year and Four Months, 
Four Hundred Additions. 

The Doctor's mission on the South Side closed here, 
and we made our way home, after an absence of six 
months, and a travel of over 1,000 miles in our buggy. 

The winter of 1851 was very severe or) us. The 
Doctor held meetings in several country churches. In 
order to get to his appointments, he used to have to 
swim creeks with our horses, with the water up to the 
buggy seat. I would get up on the seat and sit on the 
satchel, while the Doctor put his feet on the dash-board. 
We crossed many a stream in that way, though they 
were not always quite so high. Sometimes we would 
travel all day across a broad prairie, every step the 
horses took breaking through half an inch of ice. Once, 
in the middle of one, the tire of one of the hind wheels 
broke. The Doctor took the halters off his horses and 
strapped it on, and I had to watch the wheel for five or 
six miles, while the cold north wind was blowing a bliz- 
zard across the plain. Sometimes after church at night 
we would have to ride three or four miles to stay all 
night with some good brother, whom we were afraid we 
should slight if we did not visit him. They were all as 
kind and good to us as it was possible for them to be. 



66 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

Many of the roads were only fit for horset)ack travel at 
that season of the year. Often there were gullies in the 
middle (»f the road as well as on each side. 

For two months we went everywhere we were 
invited, until one very cold night we went home with a 
dear old friend of the Doctor's. After a ride of three 
miles we arrived at the house. The improvements were 
all new — a story and a half log house. 

In order to reach our room we had to climb a ladder. 
By the time we went to bed it was snowing, and I 
noticed the snow found its way into our room. I 
examined, and found there was no chinking under the 
roof where it rested on the logs, and that we were in for 
a snow-storm of our own. I piled our clothes under 
the bed, gave the Doctor my pillow to put over his 
head, and tucked mine under the clothes. When we 
waked in the morning there was three inches of snow on 
the bed and over the floor. 

The Doctor rolled off the top cover and shook the 
snow off on to the floor, and with it brushed a space 
where he could stand and dress. He handed me my 
clothes, and I dressed sitting in the bed. My fingers 
were so cold I actually could not feel the pins I was 
sticking in my clothes. 

On our way to church the next morning I told my 
husband we must change our programme. " I can never 
stand this kind of work. We must get some place to 
stay at night, and keep it. I am willing to visit in the 
day, but to sleep in a good, wa-rm room one night, and a 
stone cold one the next, is too severe on me ; and it is as 
bad on you as on me." 

After that time we made it a rule to occupy the same 
quarters every night during a meeting, and visit all we 



LIFE OF DR. \V. H. HOPSON, 57 

could during the day. I have known several of our 
preachers to lose their health, and some of them their 
lives, by accepting the urgent invitations of loving and 
good brethren. 

To all who read this, I say, If you can not entertain 
your minister comfortably, do not invite hiin to stay 
with you, but frankly tell him so, and ho will thank you 
from the bottom of his heart. 

During the fall and winter he held meetings also at 
New London, Paris, Lick Creek, Santa Fe and Palmyra. 
He writes from Palmyra, Oct. 28, 1851 : 

" I have been traveling for ten months as State Evangelist, in 
Missouri and Illinois. I have preached 430 sermons, and im- 
mersed 865 persons, and had many added by letter and other- 
wise." 

At Paris he had the able assistance of Bro. Alfred 
Wilson, who was as modest as he was good. Early in 
the beginning of 1852 he drifted back to Hannibal, and 
held another meeting. Dr. T. D. Morton writes {Millen- 
nial Harbinger) : 

" Dr. Hopson held a two weeks' meeting here, at which 
twenty-five were added to the church and a fine impression 
made on the community." 

About this lime he agreed to preach for the church at 
New London once a month, having in view a change of 
location to the Mississippi River. This was Feb. 13, 
1852. 

The March following we went to St. Louis to visit 
his mother, on his way to attend the Bible Revision 
Convention, at Memphis. 

On his return from that trip he held a meeting in 
New London, of which Bro. T. M. Allen writes: 



58 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

" On Tuesday evening la«t, Bro. H. closed a very pleasant 
meeting, with seven additions. They are a warm-hearted, large 
and flourishing congregation, and have just completed a nice, 
commodious brick church. They are blessed with the ministerial 
labors of Bro. Hopson once a month." 

During all the years of the Doctor's preaching in 
New London, our home was with the hospitable Bro. 
Hayes. Our room was always ready for us once a 
month, and we could drop in at any time, day or night, 
and find a hearty welcome. 

His next meeting was at Thrasher's Chapel, half way 
between Hannibal and Palmyra. Dr. Morton was with 
him. It closed early in May, with seventeen confessions 
and baptisms. This closed his evangelistic labors of 
a year and four months, during which time he had 400 
additions. 



CHAPTER XI. 

Locating in Palmyra. — Building up. — Palm5'ra Female Seminary 
a Private Enterprise. — Bro. Knowles Shaw. — Bro. J. J. 
Errett. — Bro. Creath. — Bro. L. B. Wilkes, Associate Princi- 
pal. — Palmyra Seminary Incorporated. — Encouraging Pros- 
pects. 

After mature deliberation and consultalion with 
prominent brethren, lie determined to locate at Palmyra 
and build up a college for young ladies. 

There was already a male school, under the auspices 
of the Episcopal Church, under the able management of 
President Corbyn. The opening for the Doctor's enter- 
prise was very favorable. We had a large brotherhood 
up and down the Mississippi River able to support the 
institution. 

He commenced school in our church the 1st of June, 
1852, and soon had sixty girls and twenty little boys. 
In a short time applications came in for him to take 
young ladies from a distance, with a request that we 
board them. 

He found the church was not suitable for his school, 
but hesitated to purchase a building, as he had but a few 
hundred dollars to advance, but finally decided to do so. 
He bought a two-story frame house opposite the churcii, 
and in a month had four rooms arranged in it for his 
school. The lot, half of which he purchased was 100 
feet wide. The man of whom he made the purchase 
was very anxious for the Doctor to buy the whole lot 

:')9 



60 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

with the other building, a one-story frame containing 
three rooms. He wanted very little money and would 
give as long time as the Doctor desired, so he kept up 
the interest. 

With the very flattering prospects of the school, the 
Doctor felt secure in closing the trade, and at once put 
another story on the house, made a basement, and when 
the school opened, Sept. 15, 1852, we moved into the 
house and bfgan the boarding department with seven 
young ladies. 

The sessions of '52 and '53 were very successful, and 
before spring we had application for room for thirty 
boarders. He began, in March, a building to fill in the 
space between the two, of forty feet, three stories high, 
including basement. This was finished in time to receive 
the boarders in September. 

During the vacation we visited Dubuque, Iowa, and 
secured several pupils; also, Batavia, 111., where we had 
three promised. All came. He held a meeting at 
Paynesville, Pike county; Louisville, Lincoln, Mexico 
and Frankford. At the last named place he met Bro. 
Knowlcs Shaw for the first time. The Doctor was on 
his way to Louisville to attend the Slate Convention, 
and Bro. Shaw was anxious for him to present his name 
to the convention, to see if the brethren would not send 
him to Bethany College. The Doctor said to him : 
'^ Brother Shaw, nature has made you a better preacher 
than any college ever can. You have a peculiar gift 
that art can never bestow. I will give you a list of 
books that will furnish you all the Greek and Latin you 
will ever need, without a teacher. If you are not satis- 
fied with my advice, in another year you shall go to 
Bethany." Bro. Shaw thanked the Doctor, took his 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 61 

advice, and, so far as ever known to the Doetor, never 
regretted the step. 

Bro. J. J. Errett was living in Palmyra at the time 
we moved there. He was in the harness and saddlery 
business, and preaching as opportunity offered, and re- 
ceiving but a small remuneration for it. He was one of 
the loveliest characters I ever knew, as simple-hearted and 
childlike as John and as bold in defense of right as Paul. 

Dr. Hopson soon grew to love him like a brother, and 
told him he must give up his business and devote him- 
self to the ministry. He was so modest, and had so low an 
estimate of his talents, it was difficult to persuade him to 
take the step. The Doctor told the brethren at Paynes- 
viile. Pike county, to call Bro. Errett to their church, 
and he felt sure both parties would be satisfied with the 
arrangement. The matter was settled satisfactorily. 
Bro. Errett Avent to them, and for more than twenty 
years he went in and out before those people, and never 
left them till Death, envying them their treasure, stole 
him away. 

Brother Creath had his home in Palmyra, also, but 
was almost always away, holding meetings in different 
parts of the State. Their intercourse, so far as the en- 
gagements of both allowed, was pleasant. Dr. Hopson 
always regarded Bro. Creath as one of tlie most intel- 
lectual and grandest of men. 

In the fall of 1854 the Doctor associated Bro. L. B. 
Wilkes with him as an equal partner, Bro. James Meng 
who had been with him, giving himself up to preaching. 
The school opened with between fifty and sixty boarders 
and a full eorps of Professors. The Doctor added to the 
institute a good philosophical and chemical apparatus, 
costing between $600 and $700. 



62 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

Palmyra Female Seminary was incorporated by an 
act of the Legislature, February 5, 1855, and "was 
authorized to grant such literary honors as are usually 
granted by colleges or universities in the United States." 
We copy the following comment on the act from the 
secular paper : 

" The reputation of this school is so well established as to ren. 
der any notice at our hands almost superfluous. We consider it 
one of the best established and best conducted institutions of 
learning in the West, and this mark of favor at the hands of the 
Missouri Legislature was well merited. 

" The course of instruction is li))eral, thorough, and calculated 
to bring into harmonious development all the intellectual and 
moral quaUties of the female heart. The success of the institu- 
tion is no longer to be questioned. It has struggled through in- 
fancy to mature growth, without any extraneous influence, and 
has demonstrated its excellence and vitality by that standard to 
which men are [wont lo attach ,so much importance — success. 
. . . Of the learned gentlemen connected with the school, we 
have had occasion heretofore to speak, and at present simply re- 
mark, that in point of fitness, skill, and adaptation to their sev- 
eral posts, their superiors can rarely be found. We trust they 
will be well repaid for their labors, and that they may be cheered 
and strengthened on all sides in their high vocation." 



CHAPTER XII. 

A Preaching Tour. — Meeting at Danville. — Running against a 
Camp-Meeting. — Wins. — Methodist Cousin. — Number of 
Additions during Summer. 

As soon as school closed (June, 1854), the Doctor- 
left home on his preaching tour. Bro. T. M. Allen 
(letter to Harbinger) says : 

'' Aug. 14. — This morning I left Danville, the county seat of 
Montgomery county, and reached home this evening. Bro. W. 
H. Hopson, of Palmyra, had commenced a meeting Friday 
night. 

" I joined him the following day, and continued until Wed- 
nesday night, up to which time there had been ten confessions. 
Bio. Greenup Jackman was present part of the time, and Bro. S. 
Jones, of Fulton, came Wednesday evening. He and Bro. Hop- 
son remained to continue the meeting for one or two days longer. 
It was the first time we had ever had anything like a hearing in 
Danville, and a favorable result far exceeded our most sanguine 
expectations. 

"The Methodists were conducting a camp-meeting near town 
at the same time, and had long been in the ascendant. Yet we 
had large congregations day and night, and the interest was in- 
creasing up to the time of my leaving." 

This meeting was a remarkable one in many respects. 
Upon the Doctor's arrival he found the church he had 
expected to get, closed against him. It w^as thought best 
by some that he should give up holding the meeting. 
He told them, no, he would not. He had come to hold 
a meeting at Danville, and, the Lord willing, he would 
hold it. He had some cousins who were not in the 

63 



()4 LIFE OF DK. V>\ H. HOPSON. 

church, and they and their friends among the young men 
said they would do all they could to aid him. 

He told them he would preach in the court-house. 
They looked a little perplexed, but he insisted, and they 
all went over to see what could be done. 

The Doctor has often since iau<i;hed over that day's 
work. They found the door open, and some porkers 
quietly snoozing the noontide away. In the corners 
spiders were weaving their silken webs undisturbed. 
Blue-bottles were buzzing everywhere. The brick floor 
was covered with dirt to the depth of several inches. 
From the walls hung festoons of dried cedar, left from 
Christmas festivities. The. people were so peaceable 
they had no use for a court-house. 

The outlook was not inviting, but willing hands 
soon transformed it into a clean room, and by next 
evening it was seated with plank and ready for occu- 
pancy. Rustic chandeliers were made of pieces of wood 
crossed and suspended from the ceding, while tin sconces 
flashed the light from lamps on tlie walls. 

When all was ready, tlie young men asked the Doc- 
tor what they could do to help him get a congregation. 
" It will be hard work to run against a big camp-meet- 
ing, but we will stand by you." 

He told them to rally all their friends and go out to 
the camp-meeting, and stay all day : " Talk to all you can 
influence, and get them to come in and hear me at night. 
If yon will get them here, 1 will hold them." 

The young men rode out that evening, and at night 
the court-house was well filled with young ladies and 
gentlemen, most of whom looked upon the whole thing 
as a frolic. 

With full houses at night and increasing interest, he 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. IIOPSON. 65 

preaclied on till Sunday, Bro. Allen joining him Sunday, 
and assisting by his wonderful exhortations. 

By this time the audience had outgrown the house, 
and the young men had made a large arbor at the side of 
the house and taken out the windows, so that' all might 
hear. By church time the house and yard were full of 
people who had come to hear what the babbler had 
to say. He made an appointment for Monday morning 
and night ; the interest increased. Bro. Allen left Wed- 
nesday, and Bros. Jack man and Jones held up his hands 
till Saturday morning, when they left. 

He continued several days longer, and closed with 
about thirty-five additions. Twenty persons made the 
confession the day before the meeting ended. 

An amusing incident occurred during the meeting. 
A relative of Dr. Hopson's, and her husband, were 
good, pious Methodists. They were in attendance on the 
camp-meeting when the Doctor commenced his meeting, 
but the lady thought it would never do to let Cousin 
Winthrop come to Danville, and she not hear him one 
time ; but her husband felt under no special obligation, 
so he dropped her at the court-house and went on to 
camp-meeting. She heard every word of the sermon, 
and was not satisfied — she wanted to hear more. The 
third sermon she heard she made the confession, to the 
surprise of everybody. 

It cost her a severe struggle, knowing tliat her hus- 
band would be very angry with her ; but she braved all 
for Christ's sake. Her husband was very bitter, but 
could not refuse to come to see her baptized, for he loved 
her tenderly, and was a good husband. She was im- 
mersed on Saturday. The camp-meeting had closed, and 
the Doctor made a special request that all should be 



66 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

present the following day who had been baptized 
during the meeting. 

Of coarse the gentleman had to bring his newly- 
converted wife again. The Doctor preached one of his 
characteristic sermons on the " Setting up of the King- 
dom," closing with a warm appeal. Our friend was on 
the back seat just inside the house, but the song was not 
finished before the Doctor saw him coming struggling 
through the crowd, over benches, the best way he could. 
The Doctor met him, and took his hand ; eight or ten 
followed, and we came near having a camp-meeting 
scene in the court-house. I never witnessed a happier 
meeting. Everybody shook hands with everybody else, 
while tears ran down the cheeks of many who still 
turned a deaf ear to the gospel story. 

Dr. Hop&on will never forget those noble young men 
who contributed so much to the success of the meeting ; 
and away up high on the heart's tablet stand the names 
of Knox and Saulsbury. 

His first meeting in June, 1854, was at Frankford, 
where he had 30 additions ; next, Paynesville, 43 ; Lou- 
isiana, 7 ; Louisville, 31 ; Middletown, 25 ; New Lon- 
don, 16 ; Shelbyville, 35 ; Bloomington, 20 ; Danville, 
35. Total, 243. 

After three months' hard work, he returned, to enter 
at once upon his school duties. 

But one interruption occurred in all our school life 
in Palmyra that gave us any trouble. In 1857 the 
small-pox broke out in town, and we had to close the 
school in May instead of June. The Doctor deputized 
me to take the young lady boarders home, who were 
from St. Louis, Ralls and Pike counties, and he would 
go with those who lived in Clark, Lewis, and Warsaw, 



LIFE OF DR. W. II. HOPSON. 67 

Illinois. He left Satiirdav, to take the packet at Marion 
City, and I left on the cars for Hannibal with the yonng 
ladies committed to my care. 

Dr. Hopson told me to tell Dr. Morton he would 
come down on the Sunday evening packet from Keokuk, 
and would preach for him Sunday night. 

After I had disposed of my various charges, I went 
to the home of Bro. John Smith, father-in-law of Bro. 
David Morton, to remain during my visit. And now 
comes one of the strangest experiences of my life, one 
for which I do not pretend to account. 

I retired at the usual hour, after having spent one of 
the most delightfule venings of my life, with the families 
of Brethren Smith and Morton. I never felt happier 
or more cheerful than when I went to my breakfast. 
Dr. Morton proposed that I should accompany himself 
and children to the Sunday-school. I was delighted, as 
I knew every member of the church and most of the 
Sunday-school scholars. 

I had scarcely exchanged greetings with the friends 
when a feeling of unaccountable uneasiness came over 
me, and I burst into tears. I wept for an hour. I knew 
no cause for it, and felt ashamed of my want of control. 
I left the house, and went to a friend's near by and 
washed my face, and returned to church. In a few min- 
utes I commenced to weep again and never stopped until 
church was nearly over. We returned to Bro. Smith's, 
and by the time dinner was announced I could smile 
at my apparently foolish conduct. After I was seated at 
the table I began to tell those who were not at church 
of my singular behavior, but before I was through I 
burst into another paroxysm of tears. I left the table 
deeply mortified, and seated myself in the family room. 



68 I>IFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSOX. 

Sister Lizzie Smith followed me and begged me to tell 
her what the matter was. I could not tell her, for I was 
as ignorant as she was. 

I hear:! the whistle of the packet and knew the Doc- 
tor would be with me in a few minutes, and felt heartily 
ashamed to meet him with such signs of distress on my 
face. While I was endeavoring to dry ray eyes, Miss 
Lizzie glanced out the window and exclaimed : " Who 
in the world is that coming in at our gate ? What a 
singular looking man !" I looked up, and, notwith- 
standing his odd masquerade, recognized Dr. Hopson. 
He had on blue jeans pants too short lor him, brown 
woolen socks, embroidered slippers, a coat too small for 
him, and a slouch felt iiat. He walked as if weary or 
sick. I met him at the door and shed the remnant of 
my tears with my arms around him. 

When I became quiet enough for him to account for 
his strange costume, we learned that at the moment I was 
so strangely aJBfected in the morning, he was struggling 
for his life in the rapids at Keokuk. 

The packet reached Keokuk too late the evening be- 
fore for him to take the pupil to Hamilton, and had to 
wait till morning. He Avas unable at the early hour he 
wanted to cross to get a large skiff, and had to cross in a 
canoe. It was a risky undertaking, with three persons in 
it ; but the owner was a river man and said if the parties 
would sit still he could take then safely over, which he 
did. Just as they were leaving on the return trip, a 
man ran down to the river and begged them to take him 
across. He said he had left a package of money on the 
packet and he must get back ; this was his only chance. 
The owner of the canoe hesitated. He said it was too 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 69 

much load for his boat, but the Doctor said he thought 
they could make it if both would be quiet. 

Just as they were nearing the Iowa shore a small 
steamer came out from below the packet and headed up 
the river. This threw them below where they were to 
land, and the swift current swept the canoe with its liv- 
ing freight under the bow of the boat. Tlie great wheel 
was ah-eady slowly revolving, and the captain was only 
waiting the Doctor's return to leave the wharf. As the 
boat went under a deck hand threw a large rope, which 
fell in a coil round the Doctor, who went under first. 
The man in the other end of the boat sprang up and 
caught one of the fenders which projected below the 
guards, and so soon as that end was lightened, the boat 
turned over, throwing the Doctor into the swift, rushing 
current. The rope was swept beyond his reach, and he 
was left to struggle out as best he could. 

He said it was about eight feet out to a fender and 
ten to the wheel. His only safety was in reaching the 
first before going under the last. He said he thought of 
his wife, child and mother, and a great cry went up from 
his heart to God for strength. Placing his feet against 
the bow of the boat, he sprang forward towards his only 
means of rescue. Fortunately he reached it, and was 
soon drawn on board, thoroughly exhausted. He was 
unable to stand for some time. 

I shall always believe that the same passionate cry 
for help that ascended to heaven that morning must have 
reached my heart and wrung from its depths those bitter, 
blinding tears, and from that hour I realized how closely 
our lives were knit together, ^^'hat message did his 
soul send to mine to say, " He whom you love is in 
deadly peril "? Explain it who can. 



70 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

The officers of the boat furDished him with the best 
the largest of them had, and his own clothes followed 
him in a few minutes, and were ready for him by the 
time the bell rang for night meeting. He was a little 
weak, but otherwise uninjured. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Opposition Schools — Baptist and Presbyterian. — Two Years' 
Prospectus. — Financial Crisis. — Made Assignment. — School 
Closed. — Gave up Everything. — Extract of Letter from an 
Old Pupil. 

By this time the Baptists began to think that " Camp- 
bellisiu " was assuming too large proportions, and they 
determined to clog the wheels a little by building up a 
rival institution. They succeeded, in a measure, in in- 
juring " Palmyra Seminary," by taking from it a portion 
of the day pupils. By the time they were in full blast, 
the Presbyterians concluded there was too much water 
abroad in the city, and organized a small school. Both 
schools, of course, had an influence in preventing the 
growth of ours, by taking from it the pupils under the 
influence of each church. 

In the fall of 1854, Dr. Hopson brought his mother 
and father from St. Louis, and installed them in the 
housekeeping department, enabling me to assist in the 
primary department. Our house was now filled to its 
utmost capacity with boarders, with about forty pupils 
in the day department. Aliout this time Dr. Hopson 
constituted the church at Mt. Zion, between Hannibal and 
Palmyra. The Herndrens, Taylors, Whaleys, and 
others, soon formed the nucleus of a now flourishing 
church. 

February, 1854, he held a meeting in Palmyra, re- 
sulting in thirty additions, among them several of our 



72 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

pupils. The session of 1854-'55 was prosperous and 
pleasant. June, 1855, there were five graduates. 

During the following vacation he held a number of 
meetings, but the number of accessions I am unable to 
ascertain, witli one exception — Bro. J. J. Errett and 
he held a meeting in Louisiana, Pike county. Ninety 
added. 

Dr. Hopson paid his professors, his housekeepers, 
divided with his partner, paid all the interest due on his 
notes, and saw himself in a fair way to reduce the prin- 
cipal of his debts. 

The years of 1856 and '57 were years notable for 
stringency in money matters, in part owing to the 
drouths that had been prevalent both years. Our 
patrons — especially our boarding, patrons — were unable 
to pay all their indebtedness, and wanted to remove 
their daughters until better times. 

The Doctor told them not to do it — to let them re- 
main — as several would graduate at the end of the ses- 
sion af 1857 and '58, some of whom had been with us 
six years, and others four. He would wait on them till 
better times came. 

January, 1857, one of the Doctor's largest creditors 
failed, and was compelled to give up everything to his 
creditors. Among his assets was Dr. Hopson's note for 
$1,300. The Doctor was notified at once that suit would 
be brought in February Court : they were compelled to 
do so, else they could not recover the note at all. It fell 
upon the Doctor like a thunderbolt from a clear sky. 

The next day he made an assignment, so that his 
creditors might all share alike, his partner and teachers 
only preferred. 

Some friends offered the Doctor pecuniary aid, but he 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 73 

declined, saying that the stringency might continue sev- 
eral years, and he would let the property go, and pay his 
debts as far as it would. Uncle Lewis Bryan was a 
warm friend. 

He gave up everything but his library, a few pieces 
of silverware — presents from friends — and his clothing. 

The Seminary and its belongings were at once adver- 
tised to be sold at the close of the session of 1858. In 
July the sale took place. Property that cost him 
$11,000 sold for $4,100. He bid in enough furniture 
to set us up to housekeeping in a modest way. 

Father and Mother Fife moved to Paris to take 
charge of the boarding department of the female semi- 
nary there, taking our daughter with them, so as to keep 
her in school until we could determine what was best to 
be done. 

Bro. Wilkes moved to Columbia, to engage in teach- 
ing in Christian College, and our beloved girls went to 
their homes. 

It was a sad parting for all. The names of our dear 
girls are deeply graven on our hearts, and we are proud 
of the record many of them have made. I copy a few 
lines from a letter I received from one of them only a 
few days ago, she little dreaming I would put it into 
print, but gave it as the outburst of her heart : 

" I tliiuk so often and so much about you and the Doctor! 
How could it be otherwise, when so often some little incident in 
my life will bring to mind some of the grand lessons and noble 
truths that the Doctor tauglit our class in the happy school days! 
Ah ! no one could teach them so impressively as he could. It al- 
ways seemed to me that no one else had the same power to 
arouse all the noblest and best influences of the human heart 
that the Doctor had. But it is useless to try to tell you, my dear 
friend, how my heart goes out in love and sympathy for you 
both. Annie M. Coons." 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Dr. Hopson as a Student. — As a Benevolent Man. — A Friend to 
Young Men. — Disliked Pastoral Visiting. — ^As a Husband. — 
His Punctuality. — A Proposition. — Its Results. — Practical 
Jokes. — As a Son. — His Patience as a Preacher. — Experiences 
in School-houses and in the Open Air. — The Boy and Cap. — 
What did Annoy Him. 

A portion of this chapter is written for Bro. Graham, 
and for anybody else who is as curious as he. Bro. 
Graham says, in his letter to me: 

" We all know how Bro. Hopson preaches, and his success 
as an evangelist, etc. We want to see his inner and domestic 
life — the virtues he displayed among his most intimate friends — 
more than the conquests made upon the world's great battle- 
field." 

I do not think Bro. Graham would ask me to 
do anytiiing improper, and I will tell a few tales out of 
school. 

First, Dr. Hopson was a hard student up to the hour 
he was stricken with disease. He never preached a ser- 
mon until he had thoroughly digested it and made every 
part of it clear to himstlf, as he desired it to be to his 
audience. If I was with him, he would make me take 
the Bible, while he had the Concordance, and go over 
every passage containing any allusion to the matter 
under investigation. He always said a man did iiis 
hearers, as well as himself, an injustice, who went into 
the pulpit unprepared. I have often heard persons ask 



LIFE OF DR. W. II. HOPSON. 75 

him to preach on certain subjects. He always de- 
clined, unless he was familiar with tiie one in question. 

During ail his scliool years in Palmyra Seminary, he 
rarely retired before twelve o'ch)cl<, aud not infrequently 
one o'clock in the morning. His Greek Testament was 
his constant study. He very rarely indulged in reading 
light literature. Shakespeare, Walter Scott and Irving 
were his favorite authors. Milton, Cowper and Young 
were his choice among the poets. His mind was exceed- 
ingly practical. I never knew him to indulge in specu- 
lative theories. He confined himself to bare facts. 

I would often say to him, "Here is a beautiful and 
appropriate quotation," either in poetry or prose ; '' it 
would add to your sermon ; put it in." It was rarely 
that I could prevail upon him to do it. 

He was a man of unbounded sympathy. The stran- 
ger within his gates was made to feel as much at home 
as his dearest friend. 

He was liberal in church matters, aiming to dedicate 
one-tenth of his income to religious and benevolent in- 
terests ; but he often gave more. The poor were never 
turned from his door unaided, and many totally un- 
worthy were helped, in order to induce them to lead 
better lives. 

The sick were never neglected by him. He visited 
the house of mourning with a sympathetic heart, and did 
not grudge time or trouble when needed. 

He was a devoted friend of the young men of his 
church. If he missed one from the Lord's day meeting, 
he would say to me, " Ella, such a young man was not 
at church to-day. If you are down town any time this 
week, drop into the store and tell him I want him to 
report to me. He may be sick. If he is, I must go to 



76 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

see him." Where they were doing business for them- 
selves, he would visit them himself. Thus they felt that 
he loved them and watched for their souls. 

Almost all pastors dislike what is usually termed 
pastoral visiting. He was more averse to it than any 
one I ever knew. He would often make half a dozen 
calls in a day. Sometimes four or five of the sisters 
would be from home, or if at home, would detain him 
from fifteen minutes to half an hour while arranging 
their toilet, and come into the parlor flushed and warm, 
and perhaps illy prepared to enjoy religious conversation. 
He never grudged the time he was visiting, but the time 
he was wasting in waiting. 

As a husband he was remarkable. He never inter- 
fered in domestic affairs. I do not think he went to 
market a dozen times in all our housekeeping. When he 
did, he l)ought enough to last the family a week All he 
asked was that the meals should be ready promptly. He 
was punctual, and required it of all his household. The 
servants were devoted to him, and as soon as they 
learned his will, gave no trouble on that score. 

He wished me to l)e thoroughly posted in all iiis 
business matters — what his exact income was, and all his 
expenditures. He often said he believed if women only 
knew the , financial condition of their husbands, they 
would be less extravagant. With salaried men this pre- 
caution is very necessary, especially so with preachers, 
who are not able at all times to command their salaries. 

He never allowed me to be out of money. I do not 
think my purse was empty half a dozen times during his 
active ministerial life. One year he made me the prop- 
osition to give me a stated sum each month to dress my- 
self on. He was very much surprised when I told him 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 77 

I would take twelve dollars and a half a month for that 
purpose; and the Ist of January paid the fir.st install- 
ment, Februry 1 the second, and the third in March. 
The 1st of April he had occasion to go to the country 
after bank hours, and he came to me to get some money 
to pay toil with. I asked him how much he wanted. He 
said two dollars would do, if I had that much. I got 
my purse, and when he saw it he asked me how much I 
had. I emptied it, and when he counted out thirty-six 
dollars, he said, "Well, Ella, I do n't see any use of our 
having separate purses." I did not, either; and so we 
divided the money between us, and I heard no more of 
a division of property. 

He always gave me the wedding fees up to ten dol- 
lars, until our daughter came home from school, and 
then we shared alike. 

The Doctor rarely indulged in practical jokes, but 
sometimes the temptation was irresistible. Some three 
weeks after we were married, we were going out to 
Father Hayden's, and I saw a persimmon tree loaded 
with beautiful golden fruit. I had often heard of them, 
but never saw one before. I was anxious to know what 
it was, and he was equally anxious for me to know. He 
selected a large, fine one, and insisted on my taking 
a good bite. I bit, and such a bite I never had before, 
nor have I ever had since. It drew and puckered my 
mouth until I could not utter a word. It squeezed the 
tears from my eyes. I really thought 1 must be 
poisoned — tliat perhaps the Doctor was tired of me 
already, and wanted to dispose of me in that abominable 
way. And I have never seen a persimmon since, that I 
do not feel a clioking sensation and a desire to punish 
some bod v. 



(Q LIFE OF DE. W. H. HOPSON. 

The Doctor was very sorry, of cour.se, at the result, 
and begged my purdon, which I have never been fully 
persuaded that I have accorded yet. 

To liis mother he was a most devoted son, and his 
stepfather loved him as if he had b'^en his own child. 
They spent the last years of their life in our home, and 
Dr. Hopson paid them a stated salary every month to 
attend to our marketing and housekeeping. He said 
old people were |)rone to feel dependent, and the arrange- 
ment he made would make ihem feel comfortable and 
supply all their needs, and make them happier. He was 
always so thoutijhtful for others. 

For many years much of his preaching was done in 
log school-houses, or log churches, or out of doors amid 
the " forest aisles," and I. have often wondered at his 
patience and equanimity under the trying and embar- 
rassing circumstances surrounding him. The neighing 
of horses, the barking of dogs, the crying of children, 
never seemed to irritate him. 

He used to tell the mothers to come to church and 
bring their children, when they had no one to leave 
them with — that he could outpreach the crying of half a 
dozen babies; and I have often seen more than tiiat 
lying on pillows around the pulpit, while the grateful 
mothers would sit with open ears listening to the " old, 
old story." Sometimes one or two babies would raise a 
tune, but they were soon hushed, and the Doctor would 
pay no attention except to elevate his voice a little until 
babydom was quiet. 

I used sometimes to practice a little friendly ruse to 
help him out. 1 would carry my pocket full of cakes or 
some candy, and distribute it to the restless ones, and 
never failed to quiet the little fellows. Dear little babies 



LIFE OF DR. W. H, IIOl'SON. 79 

and dear mothers, they have forgotten me h)ng since, 
hut they pass before me like pleasant pictures in the 
dreams of long ago. Very many of the mothers con- 
fessed Christ because tliey had the privilege of hearing 
of him unrebuked. To young preachers 1 would like 
to say just here, a mother's heart and a mother's love for 
her babes are very tender things, and while sometimes 
they may be thoughtless and inconsiderate in not [)lacing 
themselves where they can withdraw from the house 
without causing annoyance, be patient, very patient, for 
their mortification is often much greater than your em- 
barrassment can be. 

How often have I blessed my noble husband for his 
gentle forbearance towards those dear mothers, who 
were so eager to hear him preach that they would ride 
miles on horseback, with their little ones in their laps. 
They w^ere hungering and thirsting for the bread of life 
and the living water. 

On one occasion Dr. Hopson was holding a meeting 
at Santa Fe. John Hall, a great friend of his, whose 
membership was at Lick Creek, was present, and was the 
happy father of a real live boy between three and four 
years of age. The Doctor was preaching in a store- 
room, fitted up with rough seats and improvised chande- 
liers and sconces. After the boy had listened patiently 
to the Doctor nearly an hour, he began to get restless, 
and spying the chandelier, he concluded to get up a little 
show on his own account. He had a nice, new cap, and 
he commenced tossing it up to see if he could throw it 
over the arm of the chandelier. The Doctor went on 
with the sermon. The boy's mother tried to stop the 
fiin, but as soon as she turned to look at the preacher, up 
went the cap. Fortunately the Doctor had the ears of 



80 LIFE OF DR. AV. H. HOPSON. 

the congregation and no attention was paid to the boy. 
At last the cap hung fast in mid air, and the boy sub- 
sided. At that moment the Doctor made a gesture that 
knocked his hymn-book oiF the pulpit. Master Hall 
spied it, and jumped down and picked up the book, 
climbed on to a chair and upon the stand under the pul- 
pit, and said in a loud voice, " Mr. Preacher, Mr. 
Preacher, here 's your book." The Doctor looked at 
the little fellow with a smile, took the book and said 
*' Thank you," and went on with his sermon as if noth- 
ing had ever happened to disturb him. 

Some would say, " Why did not his mother take the 
child out, or do something to him?" To take a child 
out of a house packed with people, even standing room 
full, around windows and doors, was no easy matter, and 
would make more disturbance than his little frolic ; and 
if she had done something else, there is no telling where 
the trouble might liave ended. As it was, the little fel- 
low was asleep in a few minutes, and the Doctor finished 
his hour and a half sermon without further interruption. 

There was one thing that would always annoy the 
Doctor excessively : that was, for young people to laugh 
and talk or write notes to each other during service, 
either singing, praying or preaching, but this was, after 
all, more on account of the veneration he felt was due to 
worship than an offense against his personal vanity ; yet 
during all liis ministry I never heard him give more 
than eight or ten severe rebukes, but he would content 
himself by looking at the offenders a moment or two, 
preaching on, which usually quieted them. 



CHAPTER XV. 

His Courage and Fortitude under Misfortune. — Economy. — 
Division of Labor. — How the Dutcliman happened to Saw 
Wood and Work the Garden. — Meetings at Mexico, New 
Mexico, St. Joseph. — Fifty Dollars for one Convert, One 
Dollar a Head for the Remainder. — Meeting in Batavia 
111. — In Chicago. 

As soon after our sale as was possible, we moved into 
a small house, and gathered our little all about us and 
set ourselves to arrange for future work. 

Bro. Graham would like to know how the Doctor 
felt Avlien he saw himself homeless and houseless and 
penniless, yea, a thousand times worse than penniless. 
I will tell you. He was brave and grand in his ruin. 
Death had twice broken up his home, and he was satis- 
fied so long as mother, wife and child were spared. His 
daily prayer was that life, health and strength should be 
given him until he had paid the uttermost farthing. 

I tried to be brave, while my heart was nearly break- 
ing over our failure. It was not the pecuniary loss so 
much as the disruption of our family ties, and the part- 
ing from our girls and teachers. We both knew full 
well that years of labor, toil and self-denial were before 
us, before the debt could be cancelled, for it would take 
the whole of the year's salary he was then receiving to 
pay the interest on the debt he still owed. 

Retrenchment and economy were tiie watchwords for 
years. We had a good cow, from whose milk and butter 

SI 



bi LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

I realized enough to buy our groceries. Our chickens 
furnished us meat and eggs. We had no servant. I 
cooked and milked. The Doctor cut the wood and 
worked the garden — and it was well clone. 

The long May days grew longer and warmer, and the 
sun sent out brighter beams to warm up earth and air. M 
One Monday morning early, when I opened the back ^ 
door and saw a man sawing wood in the yard, I walked 
out to interview him, and learn who had been so kind as 
to send him to help the Doctor out. I said, '' Good 
morning, sir." He said, with a stolid look, " Nichts 
Verstehe." " Who sent you here?" I asked. ''Nichts 
Verstehe." I tried again. "This is a pleasant day." 
" Nichts VersteheJ' 1 walked into the house, no wiser 
than I went out. 

AVhen I called the Doctor to breakfast I related my 
adventure. He was amused, and seemed grateful that 
he was relieved from the now really onerous burden. At 
twelve o'clock the man ate his dinner, and took down 
the Doctor's hoe and walked into the garden. When he 
left it at six o'clock, not a weed was visible. Every 
Monday, for a month, our Dutchman was there with his 
axe and hoe. He would saw wood enough in half a day 
to last all the week. One day the Doctor went out to 
the country, to be gone a week. After the Monday's 
work was finished, Chris presented me an order from the 
Doctor to pay him seventy-five cents for his day's work. 
I found out who hired the man. When the Doctor re- 
turned, I said nothing to him of my discovery until he 
asked me if I had learned who employed the Dutchman. 
He said he felt it poor economy to work in the hot sun 
half a day, and suffer three or four with headache. I 
agreed with him, and so the matter was settled. 



LIFE OF DR. W. II, HOPSON. 83 

The brethren and friends were very good to him 
after our loss, and made his salary up to $1,800 that 
year. We had the pleasure of having our daughter and 
my niece with us that summer, which added to our sum 
of happiness. 

During August the Doctor held meetings in Mexico, 
with thirty -five additions, and New London, thirty ad- 
ditions. He became very tired of going away from 
home and leaving me, and after our daughter and niece 
returned to school, we broke up housekeeping, sold our 
possessions, and became religious tramps, only coming 
home to fill his appointments twice a month in Pal- 
myra. 

In September, 1858, he held a meeting in St. Joseph, 
then the home of Bros. Lard and Wyatt. Bro. Lard was 
from home, but Bro. Wyatt assisted the Doctor by 
prayers and his beautiful singing. Bro. Lard was not 
preaching for the church, and I think Bro. Wyatt was 
the regular pastor. 

Two interesting incidents occurred during the meet- 
ing. After the Doctor had been preaching several days, 
a brother came to him and said, " Bro. H., if you will 
convert my son and get him into the church, I will give 
you fifty dollars." The Doctor replied, " I will do my 
best, without your fifty dollars. Tell me his difiiculty ; 
I may be able to overcome it." The father said, " He 
has no bad habits ; only get him to listen to you, and he 
will be convinced." The young man came, heard, was 
pleased, and continued to come until, to his father's 
great delight, he confessed Christ and became obedient 
to the faith. When the meeting closed, the brother 
came to bid the Doctor good-bye, and handed him the 
fifty dollars. The Doctor demurred, but the brother in- 



84 LIFE OF DE. W. H. HOPSON. 

insisted. " You have saved my boy and myself hun- 
dreds of dollars he might have spent in folly ; and, 
besides, here is one dollar a head for every other one 
who joined." There were twenty-seven additions in 
all. 

Our church was small, and in an out-of-the-way 
place. The Doctor held his meeting in the court-house. 
It was not very accessible, being on a high hill, but still 
the house was crowded all the time. 

Among his hearers, towards the last of the meeting, 
was a refined, cultivated lady, and she was a Methodist. 
Nearly every time she came she got angry at something 
the Doctor would say. At length she could contain her- 
self no longer, and came around to Cousin Robert 
Boyd's, where we were staying, to tell Dr. Hopson what 
she thought of him. He laughed at her, telling her 
that he was preaching for her benefit, and that he would 
baptize her before the meeting closed. She was furious, 
and when Cousin Kitty Boyd asked her if they should 
call for her to go to church that night, she very sharply 
told her no. After she had gone, Cousin Kitty said to 
the Doctor, " Cousin Winthrop, you have really offended 
Mrs. D., and I am sorry." " Never mind. Cousin 
Kitty ; I will baptize her yet." Cousin Kitty was in- 
credulous. 

We went to church, and were hardly seated when 
Mrs. D. walked in rather defiantly and took a back seat, 
as much as to say, "You will see I am not afraid of be- 
ing caught." The Doctor preached on Acts ii. 38. 
When the invitation was extended, Mrs. D. came hur- 
riedly forward and gave the Doctor her hand. She could 
not speak and could hardly stand. Several followed. 
The Doctor took their confessions and asked them when 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. IIOPSON. 85 

they wished to be baptized. Some said next morning be- 
fore church, but Mrs. D. said she would defer it until her 
husband, who was absent, returned home, but she was 
the first one at the water next morning and requested to 
be immersed first. She said she could not wait another 
day to put on Christ. 

We returned home from St. Joseph, and spent the 
most of October in Palmyra. The 23d he commenced 
a meeting in Batavia, 111., closing it November 3d, with 
fifteen additions. This was the last visit he paid to my 
relatives until after the war. From there he went to 
Chicago and held a meeting for the Monroe Street 
Cliurch. He had twenty additions. We were the guests 
of Mr. Henry Honore, who, with his faithful Christian 
wife and family, have always been our warm friends. 
Bertha and Ida Honore, now Mrs. Potter Palmer, and 
Mrs. Col. Fred. Grant, were then in short dresses, and 
bright, beautiful school girls, and I never can think of 
them in any other way. 

From Chicago we went to Lexington, Ky., where he 
held a meeting in December. At that meeting there 
were twenty-four additions. He held a meeting in the 
country while there, also, and had fourteen confessions. 
He had a number of calls to hold meetings in the State, 
but his engagement was out for Cincinnati. He went to 
Cincinnati early in January and began the meeting in 
Walnut and Eighth streets church, which in many re- 
spects was the meeting of his life. The history of it 
will be found further on in this book, described by Bro. 
R. M. Bishop, in whose hospitable home we remained 
six weeks. What a host he was ! 

While in Kentucky lie made arrangements to return 
in 1860 and preach for the Lexington church. His ap- 



86 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

pointments were out for several months' labor in Mis- 
souri, and we returned, as soon as the Cincinnati meet- 
ing closed, to fulfill his engagements and prepare for re- 
moval to Kentucky. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

L. B. Wilkes' Letter. — Walnut St. Meeting in Cincinnati, in 
1859.— R. M. Bishop's Letter. 

I think this is, perhaps, the most fitting time to intro- 
duce a letter I received from Bro. L. B. Wilkes three 
months ago. It was written from Stockton, Cal. : 
Mrs. W. H. Hopson : 

My Dear Sister — As I understand there will be a biography of 
your distinguished husband, prepared by your own hand — which 
is most appropriate — I request the privilege of saying a few 
things. This I do, because he was my friend and brother, with 
whom from almost boyhood , I had been on the most inti mate terms. 
I made his acquaintance in 1847. I think it was at Springfield, 
Mo. At that time I lived with Father and Mother Hayden, 
wliose memory is as dear to me as to him, whom we delight 
to honor. It was customary in those days to have at Springfield, 
Mo., an annual July meeting. The brethren wanted to get 
Bro. T. M. Allen to assist them that year. Father Hayden was 
the leading man in those days. He, either because he could not 
get Bro. Allen or because he thought Dr. Hopson would suit us 
better, wrote for him, and he came. He was then young, and 
very handsome and gifted. I hail never heard much preaching 
l)y our people before this time. His fine person, easy manners, 
gift in language, rapid flow of eloquent talking, interested me 
very much. I had never heard any preaching so fine before, and 
I have never heard any since that made so great an impression on 
me as his did then. 

Everybody was pleased. The people came in great crowds to 
hear the young, elegant and gifted speaker. 1 do not remember 
the result of the meeting as to additions, but the effect on the 
public mind as to our plea {we had a plea then) was very happy. 

I think he came the next year also. At his first meeting he 
preached a discourse on I. John v. 7. The next year he preached 

87 



05 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSOX. 

from I. John v. 8. As he began his sermon, he said : " One year 
ago I preached a sermon from verse 7 ; I wish now to say that 
verse 7 is not from God, but of man." Though some of us 
thought that the Doctor was a little vain (he had enough of tal- 
ents and flattery to make almost any one vain), yet, having been 
mistaken the year before^though not a soul knew it but himself 
— he felt it to be his duty to publicly confess it. 

" Dr. Hopson was always the very soul of honor. His 
friendship was as steady as the light of the planets, and it was as 
pure and unselfish as that of the purest w'oman. I do not claim 
that he was without faults — no one is ; but his faults were few, 
and they were simple as those of a child. His virtues were 
numerous and splendid. 

" Though no man, however learned or accomplished, could 
feel the time lost or not well employed spent in the Doctor's so- 
ciety, yet he made the poorest, commonest mortal who craved his 
hospitable recognition feel that in his house he had a home, and 
in him he had a brother. 

" I was with him in a meeting he held in Miller Co., Mo. I do 
not remember the date. The great majority of the people of the 
neighborhood were poor and illiterate, but they were as kind- 
hearted, generous people as any. I was reared from early 
boyhood among them. Their houses were log cabins, and their 
clothes were the commonest, plainest kind. It was interesting to 
see how readily the Doctor made himself at home with them in 
their humble houses, and how they were made to feel at home in 
his company. 

" If the Doctor had a noticeable fault, it was that he had a 
touch of vanity in his make-up. Up to a certain point this ele- 
ment is valuable — indeed, it is essential to the existence of a 
grand and beautiful character. The Doctor had enough of it, at 
least, to keep him high above all mean, selfish, or ignoble deeds. 
When one has not too much of this element, it perhaps ought not 
to be called vanity. 

" In 1853 I engaged to preach for the church in Hannibal, 
Mo. Dr. H. was preaching at that time in Palmyra, Mo., twelve 
miles from Hannibal. He was also Principal of ' Palmyra Fe- 
male Seminary.' 

" He had a large and prosperous school, and needed help. In 
the fall of 1854 he and I became equal partners in the Institution. 
We lived in the same house, ate at the same table, and I came to 



LIFE OF DK. VV. H. IIOPSOJS. 89 

know him as well as it is possible for one man to know another. 
A small disagreement or two occurred during the three years we 
were associated in this work. But these, though not enjoyed at 
the moment, served only to more fully manifest one of the noblest 
characters it has ever been my hap[)iness or honor to know. My 
opinion is, that if ever any one used his tongue to shadow 
the reputation of Dr. H., it was done in ignorance of his real 
moral worth, or he was a malicious slanderer. I believe 1 never 
heard of more than two or three such, and those had dropped 
upon them the infamy and obscurity they so richly merited, not 
long afterwards. 

" Dr. Hopson failed financially when he and I were partners- 
He owed me and many others more than he could then pay. 
This was in 1857. Now the great trial of his life and test of his 
integrity was upon him. He went through the whole matter, and 
paid all his debts, and came out, not only as unsullied as the 
snow, but /ti.s creditors thought so. And it was so. 

" Put Dr. Hopson in health and in his prime again, and let 
him go to Palmyra, the scene of his disaster, and not a man 
on earth would be greeted more warmly and heartily than he. 

" The Doctor had a discussion, in 1852, at Hannibal, Mo., with 
Mr. Caples, of the M. E. Church, South. Many years afterwards, 
Bishop Marvin, in writing the biography of Mr. Caples, who was 
an excellent man and preacher, went out of his way a little to 
depreciate Dr. Hopson as he appeared before the people in that 
discussion. I was then, and am now, willing that Mr. Caples 
should appear on the pages of history in his true character for 
intellect, learning and moral worth. He was not a man of much 
learning, but in other respects mentioned, he was a very superior 
man, quite in advance of the Bishop. But in no one respect was 
Dr. Hopson inferior to either of them, and in respect to educa- 
tion he was vastly the superior of both. 

" After the debate, nearly all the people, as I know, thought 
Dr. H. was ahead. Should it be said that the people know very 
little about the merits of such a discussion, my reply is. The 
parties went before the people to obtain their verdict — they had 
no other object — and Dr. Hopson got what he went for. 

" There are many other things, in the life of which I speak, 
worthy of a place on the pages of history. 

" He began preaching when quite young — in his eighteenth 
year, if I am not mistaken. Though he was an only child of par- 



90 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

ents who were well-to-do in life, petted and spoiled, no doubt, and 
though he was considered wild when a boy, yet at the early age 
of about seventeen, he laid aside the gayeties and youthful follies 
of the world, and, in company with Samuel Rogers, of glorious 
memory, and under his supervision, went to preaching. His 
teacher was, like himself, very gifted by nature, very brave, and 
withal, like the Master — had a great, generous, noble heart, 
which, coupled with other qualities, put him in the van of useful 
and lovable men. 

" The dear, precious man of God has gone to his reward. 
The last words I had with him were in the presence of his noble 
eon, John I., in Covington, Ky., in 18G8. He was then seeing 
Him who is invisible. Like Enoch, he was walking with God, 
and waiting anxiously to be translated. He was, as Bro. G. O. 
Burnet once said, at the State Meeting in Wheatland, Cal., in 
1874, ' feeling the sweet breezes from the paradise of God.' He 
was listening for the angels' wings. Those words of his have 
been, and shall forever be, a blessing and a benediction upon my 
soul. 

" God made Samuel Rogers to preach, and it was a fortunate 
thing that Dr. Hopson fell into his hands. One of those exhort- 
ations that came like a tornado from the warm heart and great 
soul of Samuel Rogers — which, no doubt, caused the angels in 
heaven to stop and listen, and wait to see if sinners would not 
repent— was just the thing to stir the heart of the young evangel- 
ist, and to determine it for good and great things for God. On 
Dr. Hopson it no doubt had this effect. In the often thrilling 
eflFect of the Doctor's efforts before hundreds and thousands of 
hearers, was plain to be seen the result of an early and de- 
termined purpose to be true and to dare much for Him who died 
for the world. 

"Other and more skillful hands will do more ample justice 
to the subject of these few lines than I have been able to do, no 
doubt. Very truly your brother, 

" L. B. Wilkes." 

Cincinnati, May 22, 1886. 

Mrs. Ella L. Hopson — My Bear Sister : — Your letter advising 

me you were writing the life of your husband, and asking me to 

give you a history of his first meeting in Cincinnati, came to 

hand, and I wish it could be correctly done. It was a remarka- 



LIFE OF DR. AV. H. HOPSON. 91 

ble meeting, and was the means of giving a great impetus to our 
cause in this city. 

This meeting, if I remember correcth^ occurred in January, 
1859. I shall simply give you some of the leading facts in regard 
to it, and from them and your own recollection you can give a 
fuller and better account of ihe meeting. 

I had met Dr. Hopson at the organization of the General 
Missionary Convention in 1849, but did not then become well 
acquainted with him. Some years thereafter we decided to hold 
a protracted meeting in the Eighth and Walnut street (now the 
"Central Christian") church, and, having heard much of Dr. 
Hopson's ability as a proclaimer of the ancient gospel, and his 
success as a preacher, I was authorized by the congregation to 
invite him to make us a visit and hold a meeting for us, which 
invitation he accepted. He came to Cincinnati and commenced 
the meeting and continued it six weeks, resulting in about one 
hundred additions, among them many of our best citizens and 
business men. 

His eloquence and peculiar manner of presenting and dis- 
cussing his subjects soon became a topic of general remark. We 
soon realized the importance of having a larger house. It was 
impossible to comfortably accommodate the audiences. Judges, 
lawyers, <loctors, business men, ministers of other churches, were 
very often in attendance. I very well remember a sermon he 
preached on the threefold nature of spiritual influence that 
caused quite a commotion, esi^ecially among some of our sectarian 
editors, who took the liberty of criticising it severely. Some of 
the members of the secular press defended him in the positions 
taken by him. 

This sermon, having become a subject of such general re- 
mark, and having been misconstrued and misrepresented by those 
opposed to us religiously, I suggested to Dr. Hopson the import- 
ance of its repetition, stating that if he would consent to do so, 
we would secure Smith & Nixon's Hall, that would comfortably 
seat 2,500 people, publish it in our newspapers, and invite the 
public to come and hear it for themselves. This arrangement 
was agreed upon between Dr. Hopson and myself. I so reported 
to the board of officers of our church. All favored the repetition 
of the sermon, but seriously objected to the procurement of the 
hall, simply because they thought an audience of eight or ten 
hundred in so large a place would not look well. I assured them 



92 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

that by clearly stating the subject, and with proper publication, 
the hall would be full. It was agreed upon, the hall secured, and 
the sermon delivered to at least 3,000 hearers. The seats were 
all filled, the standing room crowded, and at least 1,500 persons 
came who could not procure admittance. W. D. Bickham and 
myself secured a stenographer to take it down, but it was never 
published. I sincerely hope that in publishing a history of your 
husband's life, you will publish it and others. 

Among some of his other sermons he preached during his 
meeting here, his text for one of them was something like this : 
" Other churches may be right— they may be wrong; but we are 
right, and can't be wrong." 1 very well remember hearing a 
very intelligent Presbyterian gentleman, who beard the Doctor 
announce that text for the next evening's discourse, say it was a 
very bold assertion, and that he was surprised at the statement. 
I urged him to come and hear the sermon. He did so. The 
next day I met him on 'Change. He came up to me and candidly 
admitted that the Doctor made a strong and seemingly conclusive 
defense of the position taken. 

Many other incidents of interest occurred which you will 
doubtless remember, and can elaborate. 

I have been accustomed to attending protracted meetings, and 
listening to our ablest ministers, from boyhood, I never heard 
the gospel presented more forcibly, and with better effect, than it 
was in the forty-two discourses delivered during this meeting. 

A remarkable fact, noted by many others as well as myself, 
was, his voice and strength held up in such a remarkable manner. 
He was not under the necessity of apologizing a single time 
during the meeting, on account of weariness, hoarseness, or any- 
thing else. 

Your home, as you doubtless remember, was at our house 
during your stay in Cincinnati, which gave me an opportunity of 
becoming well acquainted with him. 1 formed a strong attach- 
ment fur him as a Christian gentleman, an able minister of the 
gospel and a true friend. My relations to and with him since have 
the more indelibly impressed these facts upon me as correct. 
Very Truly Your Brother, 

R. M. Bishop. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

Removal to Lexington, Ky. — Bro. McDonald's Letter. — I'astoral 
Work in Lexington. — Numerous Meetings. — Country Meet- 
ings. — Basket Dinner. — Meeting at Berea. — Tornado. 

After a year's successful preaching iu Missouri and 
adding many to the saved, January 1st, 1860, we moved 
from Missouri to I^exington, Ky. He felt that he must 
go where he could receive better remuneration for his 
services than he could in Missouri, or he would never be 
able to clear himself of the onerous burden bearing so 
heavily upon him. 

Bro. McDonald, of Palmyra, in writing of that time, 
says : 

" I wish I could give you an account of the Doctor's school 
enterprise, as I would like to do ; of his struggle to build up a 
first-class institution of learning, and of his honorable, though 
lamented, failure. Two causes contributed to this sad result — 
one was the failure of others, and another was his unbounded 
generosity in assisting poor and worthy girls, giving tliem their 
schooling, and often books and clothing. In many instances 
their parents were able to pay him comparatively nothing. Then 
of his surrender of all he had to satisfy his creditors. 

" When leaving Palmyra with a sad heart, on his way to the 
depot he met the Baptist minister, Mr. James S. Green. He 
said : ' Good-bye, Green ; I shall never be anything but a five 
hundred dollar a year preacher as long as I remain in Palmyra, 
and have to go where I can do better, and try and make the 
money to pay ofi" my debts.' I would love to tell of his brave 
efl"orts and payments he made until he was arrested and impris- 
oned, sending all the money above his expenses to his creditors ^ 
then of his arrest and long imprisonment, after which he was 



94 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

sent South, where he was only able to support himself and wife, 
during all which time his debts were accumulating by ten per 
cent interest, which, by the close of the war, brought them up 
to their original amount, about $11,000; which amount, by lead- 
ing a life of continuous active labor, preaching at his regular ap- 
pointment and holding meetings as opportunity offered, and 
practicing the most rigid economy for several years, he manfully 
and honorably discharged every debt, to tlie satisfaction of all his 
creditors, but by this time to the detriment of his health ; and he 
has been able to make but little headway, financially, since. I 
think his last payment was made in 1873 or '74, and Dr. Hopson 
was a free and honored man, beloved and respected in his church 
and by the world as an honest man." 

The above was written by a dear friend and brother, 
whom the Doctor had the pleasure of baptizing not long 
after we moved to Palmyra. 

A gentleman, not a member of any church, writes 
the following : 

" You ask me to give you an estimate of Dr. Hopson's char- 
acter as a citizen and Christian minister, from a worldly stand- 
point, or what those outside of the church think of him. I can 
simply say I have more confidence in him than in any preacher I 
ever knew or was acquainted with, as an honest, upright gentle- 
man and Christian. Furthermore, nine-tenths of the men in this 
community who were not members of any church and were ac- 
quainted with the Doctor, give him that character. 

" I was speaking to an old citizen — a prominent business man 
— a few months ago, about the preachers who had lived here 
since his recollection and mine, and gone away in debt. His re- 
mark was that Dr. W. H. Hopson was the only one who had ever 
returned and paid in full, everything he owed, principal and in- 
terest — and, indeed, compound interest. He was a member of 
another church." 

In January, 1860, Dr. Hopson bade his friends and 
adopted State a sad and reluctant farewell. The breth- 
ren on the Mississippi River made him promise that at 
the end of two years he would return and make his 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. IIOPSON'. 95 

home in Missouri, provided they would give him a house 
and enough ground to support himself and family, out- 
side of his preaching. He removed at once to I^cxing- 
ton, and commenced his labors there. He was welcomed 
by a good church, of noble brethren, who were ready 
and willing to aid their preacher in every possible way ; 
a competent eldership and diaconate, who were always 
ready to give counsel and encouragement. 

The following two years were delightfully s])ent in 
our new home. The Doctor had a source of pleasure he 
never before enjoyed — the society of his preaching breth- 
ren, who were continually passing through Lexington, 
and who always spent a few hours in the city in transitu. 

The first few months we boarded a mile in the coun- 
try with Elder Joseph Wasson and his dear, good wife. 
She was a mother, indeed, to us wliile we were under 
her roof. 

We usually spent two days in the week visiting. We 
would walk in early and spend the morning making 
calls. We had five lunch houses — Brethren Van Pelt 
and Emmal Warner (their latch-string was always out 
for us at dinner time), and Sister Allen (Aunt Polly), 
and Sister Carty, (whose husband was not a member, but 
who was one of the noble Jasons we read of, and who 
afterwards became a member of the church). 

During the time of the Doctor's first pastorate in 
Lexington — from January 1st, 1860, to May 1st, 1862 — 
he had ninety-four additions to the church by baptism. 
Besides his labor for the church in the city, he held 
meetings at Old Union, Berea, Newtown, Leesburg, 
Clintonville, Richmond, Versailles, Georgetown, Paris, 
Nicholasville, Danville, Cynthiana, Louisville, Winches- 
ter, Mt. Sterling ; also for the churches at Elkhorn, 



^ 



96 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

Macedonia, Providence, Keene and Sulphur Well. I 
think he held one at North Middletown, also. I have 
endeavored to ascertain the number of additions at these 
various meetings, but so far as I have made inquiry, I 
have been unable to find out anything about it. I sup- 
pose the church clerks think the Lord will know his 
own when he comes, and it is not necessary to keep a 
record. Bro. White, of Lexington, is the only clerk 
who has in his possession the required information. 

I know he never held a meeting in which he did not 
meet with success in winning many souls to Christ — often 
from thirty to forty in a two weeks' meeting. Whenever 
he was near enough to do so, he would preach twice a day 
and drive into the city after preaching so as to be at his 
own prayer-meeting or officers' meeting. He would 
preach twice a day during the week, and leave the meet- 
ing and preach at home on Sunday, and return again 
Monday morning. All his country meetings were all- 
day basket-meetings. Those basket-meetings, as they 
were called, were grand things. The brethren and sis- 
ters gave themselves up to the enjoyment of the preach- 
ing; nothing else was thought of or talked of. The 
dinner — a Kentucky dinner — was cooked and brought to 
the church by servants, who took charge of it until 
church was over, then the snow-white cloth was spread 
on the grass or improvised table and a bountiful repast 
was laid out for the multitude. 

The people came from all the towns around to attend 
these gatherings, and I have seen as many as two thou- 
sand people at one of those midsummer meetings at Old 
Union, in Bourbon county. Those were grand social 
gatherings, as well as religious rtaeetings. They were 
always attended with an ingathering of souls, as well as 



LIFE OF DR. AV. H. IIOPSON. 97 

an increase of brotherly love. It brought together the 
preachers, and made them take a deeper interest in each 
other and in the cuuse they loved. I wish I had space 
in ray book to speak of them all — Bro. Gano, dear old 
Bro. Rogers, and Bro. John I. Rogers, brethren Rick- 
etts, Walden, McGinn, Jarrott, King, John Smith, 
Bronson, Collins, Raines, Hardin, John A. Brooks, and 
others. These were among his co-workers during his 
first engagement in Lexington. 

The Doctor would often say, " If we were only house- 
keeping, how much pleasure we should enjoy in enter- 
taining our brethren !" but we were not able to afford it. 

Those meetings — real love-feasts — and those brethren 
will never be forgotten by any old enough to enter into 
the spirit of them. Six of those brethren mentioned 
have "crossed over the river," and two of them are now 
waving their farewells to loved ones; the other five are 
fighting valiantly for the old paths. Often four or five 
preachers would be present at the meeting, and spend 
from three to five days in religious enjoyment. These 
were new experiences to the Doctor and seasons of in- 
tense pleasure. 

I remember a meeting the Doctor held at Berea, at 
which Bro. Gano, Bro. John Smith, Bro. McGinn, and 
one other minister besides Dr. Hopson, assisted, whom 
I can not now call to mind. They were having 
meetings in the morning and at night, instead of basket- 
meetings. We all went to Bro. Joshua Smith's to din- 
ner. Just as we rose from the table we heard a roaring 
sound, and, looking out of the window, saw a terrific storm 
approaching. Trees were being uprooted or broken off, 
fences flying in the air, cattle and horses running in all 
directions, maddened with fear; birds flying wildly 



98 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

about. It seemed as if in a moment we would be in the 
midst of it ourselves. Sister Smith was a great lover of 
flowers, and had a large number of beautiful hot-house 
potted plants on a stand in the back yard. She ran out 
to see if she could select one favorite and save it, but 
turned away in despair. She expected in another mo- 
ment they would be crushed to pieces by the hail. We 
had all sought the back porch and awaited the shock all 
felt must come. A few moments went by ; not a breath 
of air struck us, but a few hundred yards to the right 
and left of us the work of destruction was continued. 
Sister Smith said it was the presence of the five good 
men that saved her home from the awful storm and her 
beautiful flowers from destruction. We all felt it was 
indeed a special providence, whose protecting care is so 
often manifested in the lives of God's children. 

On returning to church that evening, the road was 
blocked in two or three places by fallen trees, and the 
fences had to be taken down to enable us to ride through 
pastures. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

The Beginning of the War.— Withdrawal of the States.— Meeting 
in Cincinnati. — First Gun Fired. — Resignation at Lexington. 
—His Position. — Kentucky Neutrality. — Pledged to Neutral, 
ity. — Fidelity of Union Friends. — Fear of Arrest. — Took our 
Daughter to Missouri, to Mrs. Fife, Dr. Hopson's Mother. 

One year of this delightful work passed swiftly by. 
The war-cloud was slowly gathering over the land ; mut- 
terings of the coming storm were growing louder. De- 
cember 20th, 1860, the State Convention of South Caro- 
lina " passed an ordinance to dissolve the union between 
the State of South Carolina and other States united with 
her under the campact entitled, The Constitution of the 
United States," Mississippi was the next State, January 
9th, 1861. Florida followed on the 10th ; Alabama, 
■the 11th; Georgia, the 18th; Louisiana on the 20th. 
No one could calculate the result. It would have taken 
a bold hand and a stout heart to have lifted the veil of 
the future and to have looked upon what lay beyond. 

The Doctor continued his meetings. As yet there 
was not excitement enough in Kentucky to interfere with 
his work, and in spite of rumors of war he was success- 
ful in winning many souls to Christ. 

April 5th, 1861, he commenced a meeting in Cincin- 
nati, which promised to be as interesting as the one he 
held in 1859. He had been preaching just a week, the 
house had been crowded by attentive listeners, when the 
news was flashed over the wires that Fort Sumter had 



100 . LIFE OP^ DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

been fired upon. The excitement in the city was in- 
tense ; the streets were filled with rushing crowds, excited 
and augmented by the music of fife and drum. 

Bro. Bishop took the Doctor in his carriage and rode 
through the crowded streets. They both concluded it 
was useless to continue the meeting under the circum- 
stances, and closed it that night with a good audience^ 
many of whom were anxious for its continuance. 

AVe returned to Lexington at once. The Doctor 
went quietly on witl-. his work, neither talking nor 
preaching politics. 

The friends of Dr. Hopson knew where his convic- 
tions and sympathies were. He was born and reared in 
the South. All his relatives lived there, nearly all his 
life had been spent there ; but while he loved the South, 
he felt no enmity towards the North. While he was 
strongly Southern, I was by faith, conviction and educa- 
tion as strongly Union. During all this time he had never 
said anything in my presence that could wound the most 
sensitive. He preached through the year 1861, but 
finding tliere was likely to be trouble in Kentucky, he 
thought best to resign charge of the church, January, 
1862, to take effect in three months, and then he would 
be free to leave the State if he felt his liberty was in 
danger. 

The 18th of April, 1861, a large Union meeting was 
held in Louisville, Ky., at which the most prominent 
Union men of the State assisted, and declared most em- 
phatically for neutrality in the following resolution: 

" Resolved, That the present duty of Kentucky is to maintain 
her present independent position, taking sides, not with the Ad- 
ministration, nor with the seceding States, but with the Union 
against them both, declaring iier soil to be sacred from the hostile 



LIFE OF DR. VV. H. HOPSON. 101 

tread of either, and, if necessary, to make the declaration good 
with her own right arm." 

When the ueutnility of Kentucky was declared, Dr. 
Hopson said he would abide by the decision and by no 
word or act break the compact made by his native State. 
Another thing added to his resolve and strengtliencd his 
purpose. During the summer of '61, I think it was, a 
meeting Avas called at Lexington, of as many of the 
brethren among our preachers as could be conveniently 
brought together, to discuss the matter of urging our 
brethren throughout the State to keep out of the strife 
and so preserve the harmony of the churches. Bro. 
Henderson came up from Louisville upon this special 
mission, and it was due to his most earnest and persist- 
ent efforts that the brethren present decided to urge the 
measure upon our large church through the State. The 
appeal was to be written and sent to Lexington. Bro. Z. 
F. Smith and Dr. Hopson were to take it and visit the 
churches, get the signatures of our prominent brethren, 
and have it printed and distributed among all the con- 
gregations. From that hour Dr. Hopson felt himself 
most sacredly pledged to be prudent and careful in all he 
said or did,' as he was bound by his church as well as his 
State. 

To the Union men of the church in Kentucky, Dr. 
Hopson will always feel greatly indebted for their un- 
varying kindness and devotion to him in those trying 
days. Some of the men whose loyalty could not be 
doubted stood by him to the last. Brethren Wm. Van 
Pelt and W. B. Emmal are two whose houses we visited 
every week while in Lexington. John G. Allen, McMi- 
chael, and others, were his w^arm friends ; also, Bro. 



102 LIFE OF DR. AV. H. HOPSON. 

Harry Graves, of Georgetown. All loved him, and 
never faltered in their allegiance to him in the dark days 
that followed. While with these he had the friendship 
and confidence of such men as Benjamin Gratz, David 
Sayer, Madison Johnson, Garret Davis and John Oarty, 
These men were all in the Union ranks. His uncle, 
Dr. Henry Hopson, of Paris, (a noble, grand man he 
was) opposed his nephew both in politics and religion 
(he being an Episcopalian), but they loved each other 
mo.st tenderly. 

When he resigned his position in the church at Lex- 
ington, he told some of the brethren he was afraid he 
would be arrested, but both parties told him they did not 
think it probable and opposed the step ; but he thought 
it would be best to do so. They then asked him who 
would he a good man to take his place. He told them 
he only knew of one man who he felt would suit the 
time and people — J. W. McGarvey, of Missouri. Some 
one asked the Doctor, " What are his politics?" Dr. 
Hopson said : "I do not know, nor will you ever know 
if you wait for him to enlighten you ; and that is one of 
the reasons I can recommend him to you." Bro. McGar- 
vey agreed to come, and the years that followed showed 
the wisdom of the choice. 

Several Union men told the Doctor that if there 
should be any serious talk of his arrest they would be 
likely to hear of it, and would notify him in time to 
leave the State. Upon this promise he rested easy. 

In February, Dr. Hopson thought it best for me to 
take our daughter to Missouri and leave her in charge of 
mother, at. school, in Paris. I left Lexington the 8th, 
reaching Paris safely the third day. When I reached 
Cincinnati, on my way home, the news of the fall of 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 103 

Fort Donelson was creating an excitement as intense as 
the first gun at Charleston had the year before. 

The following day I returned to Lexington. The 
Doctor said he was prepared to le^ve at any time it 
might be thought necesisary. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

Meetings at Shelbyviile, Eminence, Bloomfield, Old Union. — 
Morgan's Raid.— Meeting Closed.— The Doctor Notified that 
the Order was out for His Arrest. — Attempt to Escape. — 
Union Friends. — Refusal to Compromise Them. — His Sur- 
render to Major Brock, of Lexington. — Parole. — Arrest by 
Col. Warner. — Louisville Prison. — Preaching. — Refusal to 
take the " Iron-clad Oath." — Camp Morton. — Johnson's 
Island. — False Charges. — My Endeavors to Secure his Re- 
lease. — Banished from the State. 

The months of May and June were spent in evan- 
gelizing. The Doctor held meetings in Shelbyviile, 
Eminence and Bloomfield. The 1st of July he was at 
Old Union, in one of those glorious meetings everybody 
loved to be at. Elder T. M. Allen was with him, and, 
of course, Bro. John A. Gano. 

While it .was rumored that John Morgan was 
marching into Kentucky, many believed it an idle re- 
port. It was difficult to get at the truth of any war news 
then. 

The meeting was growing in interest. Many were 
coming to Christ, in spite of the excitement. The 18th 
of July was a lovely day ; the house was crowded with 
people. Dr. Hopson was in the midst of his sermon, 
when twenty-five or thirty Morgan men rode up to 
the church. He at once dismissed the congregation. 
While he and Bro. Allen were looking upon the excit- 
ing scene some one handed the Doctor a note. It ran 
thus : 

104 



LIFE OF DR. W. 11. IIOPSON. 105 

" Dear Doctor : — I promised to let you know if at any time 
you were in danger. The order is out for your arrest; get out of 
the way the best you can. Your Union Friend, 

"Georgetown. J. L." 

He handed the note to Bros. Allen and Gano ; both 
were Union men at that time. They were both shocked 
and grieved. 

There was short time for thought. The boys urged 
the Doctor to go with them at once. He told them he 
had some necessary arrangements to make, and would 
try to reach them when they left the State, so as to have 
their protection. 

Before the sun went down the boys in gray had 
come and gone, but had taken with them some twenty of 
the young men of the neighborhood. It was a time for 
sad farewells and tears; brothers, sons, lovers, were leav- 
ing their homes and loved ones, and God alone knew if 
any of them would ever return. 

The Doctor closed the meeting at once. We went 
home with Bro. Gano, Bro. Allen going with us. After 
supper we were sitting out in the yard, under the trees, 
all silent, and thinking of what the day had brought 
forth. Twilight had gathered about us, when the tramp 
of horses and rattling of sabers announced the advance 
of soldiers, but on which side we knew not. 

They came down the long avenue leading to the 
house, and as they entered the last gate a few rods away, 
the leader spoke. Dear Uncle Billy Conn spoke first: 
' That is Dick's voice." Almost simultaneously Dr. 
Hopson said: "That is Gen. Gano." In a moment he 
was in his father's arms, and surrounded by the whole 
family. They had not seen ^him for two years. Bro. 
Gano stood for a moment looking at Dr. Hopson, and 



106 I.IFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

said : " Thev may send me to prison if they want to, but 
I will give Richard his supper." I shall never forget 
that hour. When we gathered about the family altar 
that night there were two sons less in the family group. 
Bro. Allen was the only one who could lift his voice in 
prayer. 

The next morning early, Dr. H. left for D. B. Bry- 
an's, whose house had been our home for three months, 
who was a Union man then, and is yet, I suppose. The 
Doctor made immediate preparations to leave. By the 
time he was ready, the country was filled with home- 
guards. He attempted to make his way out through Mt. 
Sterling, but found iiimself hemmed in so that escape 
was impossible. He went to the house of a Union 
friend and brother in the church, with whom he had 
been intimate ever since he moved to the State, and at 
whose house he had stayed for weeks. 

He was warmly welcomed and the brother began at 
once to suggest ways and means of escape. He said he 
felt sure that Dr. H. had violated no law that would 
make him amenable to the charge of treason. He told 
the Doctor he could conceal him until he could make his 
eBcape, or he would take him in his carriage to the Ohio 
River and put him across, and furnish him money to go 
where he pleased. 

The Doctor told him he could not accept his generous 
offer, but that he would remain with him until he could 
send to his uncle. Dr. Hopson, and do whatever he ad- 
vised him. 

His uncle came immediately, and advised him to re- 
turn to Lexington at once, as it was impossible for him 
to leave the State ; and he might be safer at headquar- 
ters than to run the risk of falling into the hands of the 



LIFE OF D]{. W. II. HOPSON. 107 

predatory bands of home-guards that were roaming the 
country. 

They returned to Lexington together, and at once 
reported at Major Brock's office, who assured the Doctor 
he would not be detained, but to go where he plea>:ed, 
and report to him at 2 p. M. He at once came up to 
Dr. D. Morton's, where I was staying. Just as the 
dinner-bell rang there was a loud knock at the front 
door. When Dr. Morton opened it, two Federal sol- 
diers were standing on the step. They asked if Dr. 
Hopson was there. Dr. Morton said to them, " There 
is the gentleman." The spokesman said, " We want him 
to come with us." Dr. Morton begged them to let Dr. 
H. get his dinner. No ; their orders were peremptory — 
Bring him at once. Dr. Hopson told them he was under 
arrest, and on parole. Remonstrance was vain — go he 
must. He left. I expected fully he would be back in 
in an hour or two, and had his dinner put away — and it 
was over four years before he came after it. 

Instead ot taking him to the Provost's office, he was 
taken to the jail, and turned into the yard with all sorts 
of people. ^He felt the truth of the adage, " Misfortune 
makes acquainted with strange " companions. 

When three o'clock came, I began to feel very 
uneasy at his absence. Aj little while after, Bro. 
McGarvey called. I asked him if he saw the Doctor 
down town. He said yes ; and after a moment's hesita- 
tion, he continued, " He sent a message to you by me. 
I heard he was to be sent away on the cars, and went to 
the depot to see him, but was not allowed to approach 
him." He delivered the message, and I shall never 
forget the mingled tones of sadness and sympathy with 
which he announced to me the sad news. Were I 



108 LIFE OF DR. W. II. HOPSON. 

writing my own history, instead of Dr. Hopson's, it 
would be impossible to describe my feelings. He was 
taken away from me so suddenly, without a farewell, and 
oblivious of his destination. He told Bro. McGarvey 
to tell me he would write to me at once, so I would 
know where he was. He was arrested at noon, July 25, 
1862 (Friday). I waited until Tuesday; could hear no 
tidings. One paper said he had been sent North, and 
another South. 

As soon as Bro. McGarvey left, I sent for Mr. John 
Carty, a warm Union friend of the Doctor's, to ascer- 
tain, if possible, why he had been sent away, instead of 
being tried in Lexington, where everybody knew him 
and his record. Mr. Carty came at once, and told me 
that Dr. Hopson's friends among the Union men advised 
the step ; that it would probably save bloodshed, as 
threats were made to tear the jail dow^n to procure his 
release, if necessary, and that men were ready to rouse 
and rally the Doctor's friends from all parts of the 
county. He said it was a most unfortunate arrest, and 
he regretted it exceedingly, as did other Union men, as 
well as Southern. He was very kind, and j^dviscd with 
me as to the best course to pursue to obtain his release. 

I waited until Tuesday for news from him, and, not 
receiving any, I telegraphed to Wm. Terry, who re- 
sponded that Dr. Hopson was in the military prison in 
Louisville, but that I would not be able to see him be- 
fore Thursday. I immediately packed his clothes, and 
boarded the cars and went down to the city. Wednes- 
day morning. Sister Huifman and I went to the prison, 
and succeeded in gaining admittance at once. It was a 
sad meeting. When I asked him what I could do to 
obtain his liberty, he said he could see no hope of release. 



I.IFE OF DK. \V. H. HOPSON. 109 

A lawyer had already visited him with u proposition that 
if he would take the " iron-clad oath," as it was called, 
and, in addition, give a bond of $10,000 to behave in 
the future, he could be set at liberty. The first he could 
not, and the second he woidd not do. He w-as required 
by the " iron-clad oath" to swear that he had no sympa- 
thy for the South. He said to me : " Ella, if I were to 
take that oath, every Southern friend and every Union 
friend I have would know I had perjured myself. I 
was horn and reared in the Sonth, and loyalty to race 
and loyalty to principle would forbid my taking that 
oath. I am willing to take the oath of allegiance to the 
United States and go to Canada or Dixie, if I am ob- 
noxious, but I will lie in prison and rot before I will 
perjure myself. Since the war began I have occupied 
the position taken by the State of Kentucky, and have 
never violated the solemn compact entered into with the 
brethren in Lexington. I have never by advice, coun- 
sel or money violated that pledge. I have nothing to 
say against the government ; I do not believe it respon- 
sible for my arrest. I have not been informed of the 
charges against me, nor can I find out. I have no hard 
words for those who caused my arrest, but I will be con- 
sistent and honest." 

I tried for a week to obtain a copy of the charges 
against him, but in vain. I knew it would be useless 
for me to attempt to stir in the matter until I knew what 
I had to contend against. Again and again I visited the 
Provost Marshal's office, but in vain. Col. Harney 
would give me no satisfaction. Why, I could not learn. 

Mr. Carty advised me to ascertain the charges against 
him, and then get the certificates of Union men to prove 



110 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

their falsity, and take the vindication to Washington and 
obtain his release. I found it impossible. 

I shall always feel indebted to some of the Union 
men of Louisville for their kindness in that trying time. 
Wm. Kaye was mayor of t\\e city then, and I am in- 
debted to him for courtesies and advioe. 

Capt. Zacli. Sherley assisted me all he could, and vis- 
ited Dr. Hopson in prison to see if he could aid him in 
any way. When Dr. Hopson told him that he intended 
to preach in the prison the following Sunday, Capt. 
Sherley begged him not to do it, as an order was out that 
if any one attempted to preach they should be put in 
irons. Dr. Hopson told him that he received his author- 
ity to preach from a higher power than any human gov- 
ernment, and he wouhl like to wear chains for Christ's 
sake. He made his appointment for Sunday morning, 
and promptly the seats were filled, and just as he com- 
menced preaching a soldier entered the "room. The 
Doctor thought he was going to take him from the stand, 
in all probability, but instead, he slipped a note on the 
end of his bayonet, and, reaching forward, gave it to the 
Doctor. It read : 

" Dr. Hopson will be allowed to preach, provided he does not 
preach treason. Gen. Jerry Boyle." 

The Doctor read the note and went on with the serv- 
ices. Capt. Sherley had procured that concession for 
him on the part of those in authority. 

Bro. Wm. Giltner came down from Eminence to see 
if he could be of any assistance to him. These assur- 
ances of esteem and confidence were very precious to 
him in this hour of trial. There were many otiiers 
equally kind. After eighteen days' confinement in the 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. Ill 

Louisville prison, the authoritios determined to remove 
the prisoners to Camp Morton, Ind. I was notified 
that I must visit the Doctor the day before the one 
set for removal, as I would not be permitted to see 
him on that day. Still I felt I must see him leave, and 
Sister Huifmau and I went down in the carriage to the 
prison. Capt. Dillard took pity on me, and said I might 
go up and see the Doctor if I would only stay ten min- 
utes, as they were nearly ready to be marched out to 
leave. We were still ignorant of the charge against 
liini, but he remarked to me, " They have a new Provost 
Marshal, Col. Dent. I think he is a gentleman. You 
go and see him, and maybe he will give you the desired 
information. " It was a sad, sad hour when I saw my 
dear husband marched oif between rows of bristling 
bayonets, while he was not allowed even to wave a fare- 
well to hundreds of his friends who w'ere looking from 
windows and lining the sidewalks. I never saw him 
walk so proudly or look so grandly as he did then, while 
it seemed to me my heart would l)reak ; yet I felt that I 
would rather never see him again thaa that he should 
swear falsely for the sake of securing his liberty. 

Mrs. Huffman and I went immediately to the l*rov- 
ost's office, and found Col. Dent in. He was very 
kind, and listened to my story. He sent for Capt. Dil- 
lard, who was to take the prisoners away, and asked for 
the paper containing the charges against Dr. Hopson. 
Capt. Dillard readily produced it, and handed it to Col. 
Dent. He opened it, and handed it to me. It said : 

" Dr. Hopson has thrown all his abilities, energies and heart 
into this wicked rebellion, which is a disgrace, not merely to 
Christianity, but to civilization. He has devoted his days and 
nights for upwards of a year to thedestructionof the best govern 



112 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

raent that ever existed. His example, coming from one of the 
first Christian preachers in the State, would have been mischiev- 
ous and criminal enough, but he devoted his rare intellectual 
abilities to the furtherance of his pernicious example. He made 
preaching tours, and Avherever he went the secesh gathered to 
hear the gospel of rebellion, treason, murder, pillage and piracy, 
and wherever he went a crop of secession thistles and brambles 
sprung up in his path. He joined Morgan, and raided through 
the country with him, and is his chaplain. His church desire 
him summarily dealt with." 

There were no names signed to this precious doc- 
ument. Why? Simply because there was no man liv- 
ing who would have dared to put his name to such in- 
famous falsehoods. Those who made these charges 
knew they were false, and were afraid to father them. 

Col. Dent gave me the same advice Mr. Carty had. I 
returned to Lexington the following day, and made ar- 
rangements to write to Union preachers with whom the 
Doctor had held meetings during the year, to procure 
certificates disproving the charges. 

I was in the city only two days, Avhen a friend who 
had been visiting in the country came home. I was 
staying at her daughter's. She said she was glad and 
sorry to see me ; that the lady's husband where she had 
been visiting said they were going to arrest me on my 
return from Louisville. I told her T did not like to 
leave, as it would defeat my eiFort to release the Doctor. 
She said that was what they wanted to do. That evening 
I got a letter from Uncle Henry Hopson, of Paris, 
telling me there was a strong feeling in favor of having 
me arrested, and to be very careful and prudent. 

I determined to return to Louisville at once, and 
await answers to my letters there. I arrived late in the 
evening, and was driven to Bro. Huffman's. I did not 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 113 

know that any one in Louisville knew I was in the city. 
The second morning after my arrival I received a note 
warning me that I would be arrested on sight. I 
sent for Capt. Sherley, and he said that, while he would 
not ordinarily notice anonymous notes and letters, it 
was a matter in which it was best to run no risks, and 
perhaps I had better leave the State. He sent for his 
son, who soon had a carriage at the door, and went with 
me to Jefferson ville, to take the train for Chicago, where 
I had friends living. 



CHAPTER XX. 

Dr. Hopson a Conscript. — His Regrets. — No Hope of Release. — 
His Masonic Relations Advantageous.— Inside Post-master.^ 
Preached Every Sunday. — Accidental Discovery. — Dutch 
Guard. — Way of Escape Opened. — His Release. — Sent South. 
— Reports of his Command — Kindness of Union Friends 
while in Prison. — Bro. Bishop. — Bro. Graham. — Received 
Commission. — Gen. Morgan Delighted that the Government 
had Sent him a Chaplain. 

I was about the first refugee that left Louisville be- 
fore the invasion of Gen. Bragg's army. On my arrival 
in Chicago, I found my relatives absent from the city, and 
at once sought the hospitable home of Bro. H. H. Honore. 
I was made very welcome, and remained there four weeks. 
From there I went to La Porte, Ind., to my mother's, 
where I remained until the Doctor's release. I was now 
in a position to have free correspondence with Dr. Hop- 
son, with one restriction : nothing was allowed to be writ- 
ten on war topics, nor could I let him know that he was 
a conscript. The authorities had really conscripted him 
and put him in the Confederate army, nolens volens, as a 
chaplain. He was one of whom the great dramatist 
wrote when he said, " Some have greatness thrust upon 
them." Without his desire, knowledge or consent, he 
was made Gen. John Morgan's chaplain five months be- 
fore he found it out. Had he only known the fact, he 
might have been saved all those long, weary months of 
imprisonment. 

His letters to me were full of encouragement and 



LIFE OF DH. W. H. HOPSON. 115 

cheer. He deplored the fact that he was unable to pro- 
vide for those he loved, and that in his enforced idleness 
he could do nothing to lessen his indebtedness in Missouri. 
Up to the time of his arrest, he had sent every dollar 
he made above necessary expenses to his creditors, which 
left him nearly stripped of available means. He said lie 
knew I could make a living, but his daughter was too 
young to assist herself. 

He felt that the Confederate government would have 
no interest in his exchange as he was not a fighting man, 
and patiently and uncomplainingly he did his duty as a 
prisoner. The last three months of his imprisonment was 
spent at Johnson's Island. He said the prisoners were well 
fed and treated kindly, Louisville being the hardest prison 
he was in. His Masonic affiliations procured him many 
kindnesses from the officers in charge who were Masons 
themselves. He was inside post-master, and through 
their indulgence he was allowed to write me twice a week 
instead of twice a month, and as much as he pleased each 
time. He preached every Lord's day to thousands of 
prisoners, and made many friends among them, who to- 
day are scattered all over the West and South. 

After nearly five months' imprisonment, the way of 
escape was opened up to him. One day when the guard 
was changed, a German was detailed to call the roll of 
the Doctor's mess of fifty-two men. Fortunately he 
could not read a word of English, and asked Dr. Hopson 
to read his roll call for him. The Doctor was very will- 
ing to accommodate him. Opposite every man's name 
was the charge against him. When he came to W. H. 
Hopson, he found appended to it " John Morgan's chap- 
lain." How his heart leaped ! That name was the 



116 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

synonym for liberty. He sent at once for Major Pierson, 
commandaiit at the post, and demanded his release. 

The Major said, " On what grounds, Doctor?" '' As 
Morgan's chaphiin ; I see that is the charge upon which 
I 'svas arrested, and am held as a prisoner still." " Tiiat 
is true, Doctor ; but we know you are not Morgan's chap- 
lain." ''Well, Major, those who put me here ought to 
have known what I was, and I want to be paroled at 
once and make preparations to go South and join the 
command." " You will have to go, Doctor; but our or- 
ders were to keep you here during the war and treat you 
kindly. This was a good excuse for your arrest, but we 
knew you were not, or you would have been released be- 
fore now, for John Morgan would never have let his 
chaplain be detained in prison a day. I will telegraph 
to Washington, and let you know as soon as I hear from 
there." " I know John H. Morgan well," Dr. Hopson 
said ; " a braver, truer man to principle I never knew, 
and I am not ashamed to have my name associated with 
his. I will go out of prison on this plea, so providen- 
tially offered me." 

The Doctor wrote me at once to return to Lexington 
and make preparations to go with him South. When I 
received his letter, I was still at La Porte. Anxious as I 
was to go, I left with many regrets. I made some very 
warm friends, who showed me many kindnesses. They 
sent Dr. Hopson a nice box of good things to eat. Some 
of them asked me what kind of cake Dr. Hopson liked 
best. I told them soft gingerbread. They baked one 
two feet long and eighteen inches wide ; and, put in the 
box, it just fitted on top of all the rest. This, with a 
box sent by Sister R. M. Bishop, of Cincinnati, and 
friend*, and one sent by Brethren Van Pelt, Emmal, and 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 117 

others, from Lexington, did niueii to cheer :uid comfort 
the Doctor in his island home. 

While on this subject, I can but speak of Bro. R. M. 
Bishop's great kindness to the Doctor and myself during 
that dark and trying hour. He offered to do anything 
in Ids power to assist either, and was making arrange- 
ments to go to Columbus to see Gov. Chase when tlie 
Doctor was released. It was not only his sympathy 
which he extended, but he offered pecuniary aid also, 
wliich the Doctor said he could not accept unless abso- 
lutely necessary. 

Bro. Graham was present when we were discussing 
the matter, and said to me: "Sister Hopson, I would 
willingly go to Johnson's Island to-morrow and take 
Bro. Hopson's place if I could relieve him or have him 
set at liberty." The memory of such touching expres- 
sions of love will go with me into the Great Beyond, and 
then these friends will know how grateful the human 
heart can be. 

In less than a week Dr. Hopson was sent South, with 
other prisoners, to Vicksburg, and v/as forbidden to com- 
municate with any one verbally, except his fellow-prison- 
ers and guards, until he reached his destination. This was 
unexpected, and a great disaj)pointment to both of us. 
He wrote to me as soon as he found out the terms of his 
release to sell our furniture, horse, buggy, etc., and join 
him in the South as soon as I could. I answered by 
telegram I would do as he said. 

I have often heard him relate an amusing incident 
that occurred as the prisoners were marching through the 
streets of Cairo. They were hailed a moment, and, of 
course, the center of attraction of hundreds of eyes. One 
old negro woman was near him, and, fixing her gaze upon 



118 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

him especially, she began to laugh immoderately. The 
Doctor was amused and said, " Aunty, what 's the mat- 
ter?" " Matter, young master ? You 'sgittin' your rights, 
aint you ?" There was a general shout from all who 
heard it; the Doctor enjoyed it with the rest, and it was 
a by-word with the boys as long as they were together. 
The prisoners arrived in Vicksburg early in Decem- 
ber, and were at once sent to Mobile, from which place 
the Doctor made his way to Tennessee as fast as travel- 
ing facilities would permit. He reached the army just 
as the battle of Murfreesi)oro was at its height, and, on 
inquiring for Gen. Morgan's command, found he was in 
Kentucky. He thought he would go on to the battle 
field and see if he could not be of some service, either as 
a physician or chaplain ; but lie was ordered back by the 
sentinels stationed to keep all civilians off the field. The 
man told him firmly yet politely that no one who was not 
fighting or whose command was not in the battle would 
be allowed to pass a certain line. The Doctor then went 
to the rear, and did all he could to assist the wounded 
in the improvised hopitals. 

On Morgan's return, he was ordered to McMinnville, 
where the Doctor reported to him, to let him know he 
had a chaplain and that he was ready for duty. Gen. 
Morgan was both surprised and gratified, and at once 
gave him his commission, with pay as colonel, and told 
him to do whatever seemed good in his sight. 

The middle of January he got leave of absence to go 
to Atlanta to supply himself with clothing and a proper 
outfit, which he could not procure at McMinnville. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

My Trip South to Join the Doctor. — Illness in Baltimore. — Visit 
to Washington- — Interview with J. J. Crittenden. — His As- 
sistance. — Detained. — Seven Weeks at Barnum's Hotel. — 
Wonderful Kindness of the People. — Recovery. — Trip South 
to Richmond. — Bro. Pettigrew and Family. — Success in Hus- 
band Hunting. — Met the Doctor in Augusta. — Atlanta. — Trip 
to McMinnville, Tenn. — Not a Stranger, though in a Strange 
Land. 

In the meantime I had settled up our business in 
Kentucky, sent our library, etc., to Bro. R. M. Bishop, 
to take care of for us until the war should close. I was 
now ready to go South to join the Doctor. I left Lex- 
ington December 4th, expecting to reach Knoxville about 
the time he did, where we anticipated meeting. 

When I reached Louisville, I thought I should be 
detained but an hour or two, and could proceed on my 
way ; but the best laid schemes gang aft a-gley. So it was 
with mine. I was informed that the G. A. R. were pre- 
paring for a battle soon, and that the lines were closed 
against all travel. I turned my course at once to Wash- 
ington. I took the train that night for Indianapolis, from 
there to Columbus, Pittsburg, Hurrisburg, Baltimore and 
Washington. Dr. Hopson had advised this route as safest 
and best ; but it was such a long route I dreaded it. He 
said if I went to Washington I must call on Hon. John 
G. Crittenden and Congressman Phelps, who, when I 
told them who I was, would assist me any way they 
could, I followed his directions as far as I could. Con- 

119 



120 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

gressman Phelps was absent from the city, but I found 
Mr. Crittenden and wife at home. She came in first, 
and 1 introduced myself to her. She remembered Dr. 
Hopson well as a school boy with her younger brothers, 
and intimate at her house as a brother. When Mr. C. 
came iu and learned who I was, I needed no pleader to 
enlist his sympathy. He at once got into the carriage 
with me and drove to Judge Turner's office. He tried 
to prepare me for a disappointment. He said he had 
tried a few days before to procure a pass for his sister to 
cross the lines, but failed; hut he was willing to risk re- 
fusal again for my sake, so that I might know it was not 
his fault if I should be refused. 

Judge Turner received us very kindly, but said no 
one would be permitted to pass tlirough the lines until 
after the pending battles were over in Tennessee and on 
the Potomac ; he would enter my name with the three or 
four hundred others, and I could return home and would 
be notified when I would be permitted to go South, if at 
all. I felt that I could hardly bear it. I had never 
dreamed of failure, and my heart sank at the thought of 
the weeks of torture and suspense that must pass before 
I could know even that I should be permitted to join the 
Doctor in the South. 

It seemed to me I never could turn back and relin- 
quish my journey. Mr. Crittenden saw how crushed I 
was, and insisted on my returning to his home and re- 
maining a few days until I felt better able to bear my 
disappointment. I preferred to return at once. I left 
on the evening train, which stopped in Baltimore, where 
I was compelled to remain over Lord's day. I was ad- 
vised to go to the Fountain House as a quiet hotel, where 
I arrived at 8 that night. I felt very lonely and 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 121 

desolate in that city, with not a living soul in it that I 
ever saw before. 

When I arose Sunday morning I was really ill, but 
determined I would go to church. I felt I could never 
live through the day in that hotel among total strangers. 
No one connected with the house could tell me where the 
Christian Church was, but I started out determined to 
find it. I walked a long, long way, inquiring every few 
squares for the church. At last a policeman directed me 
to it. I had managed to work my way within four 
squares of it. — Just one word here. It would be a great 
help to strangers visiting any city if every church would 
have its building photographed, with street, number, 
and name of preacher added, and hung in every hotel 
in the city, and depots too. I never realized the im- 
portance of it before. 

When I reached the church it was still early. The 
sexton invited me down into the Sunday-school room, 
where the large school was assembled. I took a seat far 
back, not wishing to interrupt the exercises. I was hardly 
seated, however, before sister Benson came up to me and 
asked me if I was a stranger in the city, and a member 
of the Church of Christ; where I was trom, and what my 
name was. It was all done so quietly and unobtrusively, 
I felt no embarrassment in giving the desired information. 

As soon as the school closed I was surrounded by the 
brethren and sisters, and soon felt that I was in ray 
Father's house, and no longer alone in that great city ; 
and I resolved that, no matter where my lot should be 
cast in the future, no stranger should every enter the 
Sunday-school or church and not find one heart to bid 
them welcome. 

Sister B. asked me where I was staying. I told her, 



122 TvIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

and one of the brethren paid I must leave and go to 
"Barniim's Hotel"; Sister McLaughlin, the wife of the 
proprietor, was a member of the Christian Church, and 
I would be made at home there. Bro. M. got a carriage 
and went with me to the Fountain House, got my bag- 
gage and drove to Barnum's, where Sister Mc. received 
me most cordially. I have often thought what great 
matters hang upon a single act of our lives. I believe 
very few persons feeling as badly as I did that Lord's 
day morning, would have gone out to church that bitter 
cold December day, but I feel sure that if I had not I 
should not have lived to write this story. Monday morn- 
ing I was too ill to go to breakfast. 

I do not remember feeling warm from the time I left 
Washington until Monday night at "Barnum's." The 
following three weeks were passed in a half unconscious 
state. I only know that I was very ill. Dr. Hammond, 
my physician, said it was low nervous fever, brought 
about by reaction from long-continued excitement, and 
loss of hope. 

Such kindness and gentle care as I had bestowed up- 
on me ! Everybody was good to me, from the least to the 
greatest. It was wonderful to me that people could take 
such an interest in a stranger. At the end of three weeks, 
I could sit up long enough to have my bed made, but 
unable to do more. Sister Mc. gave me a room opposite 
hers, and came in herself many times a day to see if I 
wished anything. My heart overflows with gratitude to- 
day toward those dear, kind people of Baltimore, and I 
feel that I am better for having known them. Had I 
not gone to church that day, I should have been ill at 
the other hotel — and should have prol)abiy died among 
strangers. The proprietor's family did not even live in 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 123 

the house ; but a housekeeper and servants had charge of 
the business. Seven long, weary weeks went by, and 
still I was not able to travel back to Kentucky. It was 
two months since I had heard from Dr. H. Sometimes 
I felt that I should never see him again. 

There were about twenty ladies waiting at the hotel, 
besides myself On the 6th of January we were notified 
that we would be permitted to leave on the flag of truce 
boat, on Wednesday the 9th. We left for Washington 
the evening of the 8th. Early the next morning we re- 
ported on the boat, and found we were about 400 ladies 
and 375 children. After we and our baggage were 
searched, which took far into iho night, we were allowed 
to rest. We left the city at 3 o'clock, and had hard work 
to realize that we were really on our w'ay to Dixie. We 
arrived at Fortress Monroe the ensuing day, and lay in 
the harbor until Friday noon, when we steamed up the 
James River to City Point. We reached there just be- 
fore dinner. At 4 o'clock P. M. Judge Olds, Commissioner 
of Exchange, came down from Richmond with prisoners 
for exchange, and we were allowed to disembark and 
meet our friends, A number had been notified of the 
coming of the boat, and were ready to greet friends and 
relatives, while many of us would have weary days of 
search for our loved ones. At 10 p, M. we crossed the 
bridge in Richmond, and were fortunate (our party, at 
least) in securing rooms at a hotel, while more than half 
the women and children were compelled to remain on the 
cars all night, every hotel was so crowded, 

Richmond was full of refugees from all that portion 
of the State north of the Rappahannock, and many from 
Kentucky, Tennessee and Missouri as well. As soon as 
practicable, I started out Saturday morning to see if I 



124 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSOX. 

could find an acquaintance among the multitude throng- 
ii)g the streets. I spent nearly the whole day searching, 
and was rewarded by meeting a number of old friends, 
but none who had met Dr. H. since he had been sent 
South. 

Upon making inquiries for our church, I learned that 
Bro. W. J. Pettigrevv was preaching for our brethren in 
the city. I had made his acquaintance some years before, 
and thought in all probability he could give me some in- 
formation in regard to the Doctor. I sent him a note, 
and he came at once to the hotel and insisted that I should 
make his house my home while in the city. I accepted 
his invitation, and he and his most excellent wife made 
my stay very pleasant. I visited the hotels every day in 
hopes of gaining some new\s from my inisband ; at last I 
was rewarded. While talking in the ])arlor of the Amer- 
ican House about the Doctor with one of the ladies I 
met on the exchange boat, an old gentleman lying on a 
sofa in the room started up and began to ask me questions 
about the Doctor, and said that if he was not mistaken the 
gentleman I wanted was holding a meeting in Atlanta, 
Ga ; he himself was the family physician of Elder C. 
K. Marshall, Sen., who was pastor of the church at that 
place ; and that Bro. Marshall had insisted on his return- 
ing in time to attend the meeting. I telegraphed at 
once, and the next day received response, " Meet me in 
Augusta, Ga. " The telegram came Saturday ^jvening. 
I would not travel on Sunday, and had to delay starting 
until Monday morning at 1 A. M. I reached Augusta 
Wednesday night at 8. 

There were six ladies of us husband-hunting, literally, 
so that we were not lonely on the route. Sometimes we 
were riding in good cars, sometimes with no backs to the 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. IIOPSON. 125 

seats, the aisles crowded with soldiers resting on their 
knapsacks, and sometimes sitting for two or tliree hours 
in open shed depots, on our baggage, waiting for a tiain. 
We met nothing but kindness from the railroad officials, 
and, indeed, from everybody we came in contact with on 
our trip. 

Dr. H. met me at the depot. We were very glad 
and grateful to our heavenly Father that we had been 
preserved through many dangers to meet again in health. 
After a day or two of rest in Augusta, we left for Atlanta, 
where the Doctor resumed his meeting and remained over 
Lord's day. He thought it best to return to his command 
the following week, and we started for McMinnville 
Tuesday morning. The last two days of our trip was 
made in a sutler's wagon, belonging to Dr. Foster, who 
had been left ill from blood poisoning at the hospital. 
Dr. Hopson remarked when we started : " Now, 
Ella, for the first time in years I can travel all day, 
meeting hundreds and knowing no one." We were 
not more than a mile from Manchester before half a dozen 
gentlemen we were meeting called the Doctor's name. He 
told them they had the advantage of him — they knew 
him, but he did not know them. All said they were in 
prison with him — some at Louisville, some at Camp 
Morton, and some at Johnson's Island. They did not 
expect him to recognize them ; but they had all heard him 
preach, and congratulated him on his release. I am safe 
in saying that we met more than a hundred men that day 
who knew the Doctor. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

Hospitality. — Arrival at McMinnville. — Preaching. — Lite in 
Camp. — R. M. Gano and Brothers. — I go to Knoxville. — 
Evacuation of McMinnville. — Dr. Hopson Resigns. — We go 
to Richmond. — Meeting in Richmond.— Located at Bowling 
Green. — Holly Hill. — C. P. Williamson. — Life at Bowling 
Green. — Housekeeping. — Cost of Domestic Articles. — Ex- 
penses, $20 a Day ; Income, $2,000 a Year. — Old Mansion. 

. e had a very cold, disagreeable ride that day. 
From a light fall of snow in the morning, it had in- 
creased to a cold, driving rain by night; and it was eight 
o'clock before we could find any one hospitable enough 
to open their doors to strangers. A kind-hearted young 
couple, by the name of Denton — I think it was — took 
pity on us, and let us stay all night. There were three 
of us besides the driver, and it was quite a tax on any 
one to entertain all — which only made us the more 
grateful to our host and hostess. I realized what a sad 
cry was wrung from the Saviour's heart when he said, 
" The Son of man hath not where to lay his head." 

We had passed many large and pretentious houses, 
and asked for shelter from the storm in vain; but these 
young beginners were the only ones of whom it could be 
said, " I was a stranger, and ye took me in." My 
prayer has always been that God would prosper them as 
they deserved. 

The next morning the lady had our breakfast ready 
by the time we were up, and insisted on our taking 
a lunch with us, fearing we should get hungry before we 



LIFE OF DK. M'. II. IIOPSON. 127 

reached our destination. Mr. Denton refused all but a 
pitiful sum for our entertainment. 

We reached McMinnville at 3 p. m. , and went at 
once to Bro. J. L. Walling's, where for weeks we had a 
pleasant home. 

Dr. Hopson preached every Lord's day in our own 
church at McMinnville, and often during the week would 
go out to the camps around the country, and preach to the 
soldiers. When in town, he visited the hos[)ital daily, 
where the sick and wounded were always glad to see 
him. 

Neither Gen. Morgan nor his command had much 
time to devote to religion or religious duties. When at 
home he was always at church, and had the greatest re- 
spect for a Christian man and his principles ; and nearly 
all of his officers usually attended. 

Dr. Hodgson, Gen. Wheeler's Chaplain, held services 
in our church in the afternoon, which gave all who were 
Episcopalians the opportunity to enjoy their own ex- 
ercises. 

During February and March there was not much 
severe fighting, but constant skirmishing all along the 
hundred and fifty miles Morgan was picketing. Almost 
every day Mrs. Morgan would send for me to come over 
to see her, as she was afraid to leave headquarters her- 
self I would ask her where Gen. Morgan was. She 
never could tell. She would say he left for such a place 
last night, but may be fifty miles from there now. We 
never knew where he was, nor how many men he had 
under his orders. 

The 2nd of April, Gen. Dick Gano, on account of ill- 
health, determined to return to the Trans-Mississippi 
Department. It was a source of deep sorrow to the 



128 IJFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

Doctor, who loved him very much, and disliked to lose 
him and his influence for good. 

He and his two brothers, Frank and John, spent the 
night before they left with ns. AVe sat up till a late hour, 
and talked of the past, with its pleasures; the present, 
with its trials ; and the future, with its uncertainties. 

They retired about eleven o'clock. The Doctor and 
I still sat by the fire, and talked some time. Just before 
we laid down, the Doctor said, " Let us look on the 
boys once more." We crossed the hall, and looked into 
the room where they lay sleeping. They were all three 
stretched out on the floor, with a blanket for a bed and 
a knapsack for a pillow. We turned sadly away, think- 
ing of the dear mother and father in the " Old Kentucky 
Home" who were praying for these loved ones, and 
asked God to spare them all to return safely to their 
homes. 

We lay down without undressing, as we did for 
many nights following. We did not know at what mo- 
ment the pickets might be driven in, and the few per- 
sons belonging to the army be compelled to fly from the 
place. 

In a few days Mrs. Alex. Morgan, of Knoxville, came 
to attend npon and nurse her brother, Thomas Russel, 
who was wounded at the battle of Snow Hill. 

Dr. Hopson thought I had better return to Knox- 
ville with Captain Morgan, and remain with Miss Laura 
Russel during her sister's absence. He was afraid that 
my presence would embarrass him in case of having to 
run away. I assented, and went to Knoxville, about the 
6th or 8th of April. I think the 19th or 20th Gen. 
Morgan had to leave McMinnville. 

The Doctor said he saw an unusual commotion over 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 129 

at headquarters, a hundred yards away. He always kept 
his horse near him ; he threw his saddle on him, and se- 
cured his baggage, mounted, and rode over. He asked 
Gen. Morgan what was up. Gen. Morgan said, " Look 
yonder !" and about a mile away a long column of Fed- 
erals were coming towards town. The Doctor asked 
him which way to go. He pointed to the Sparta road, 
out which his ambulances containing the sick and 
wounded, and his telegraph operator, and Mrs. Morgan 
and sister, were flying. The Doctor was soon following 
as rapidly as his horse could carry him. Morgan and 
his men were close enough behind for him to hear the 
whizzing of the balls sent after them. He said he felt 
more and more convinced that non-combatants had no 
business in a fight. They all got off safely but two of 
the officers. 

During the winter months Gen. Morgan had been 
acting on the defensive. In the spring he made prepa- 
rations to commence active operations. As soon as the 
Doctor was assured of the fact, he determined to resign 
his position and join me in Knoxville, and proceed to 
Richmond and devote his time to evangelizing in 
Virginia. 

He resigned the 1st of May. Gen. Morgan insisted 
on his retaining the office and receiving his pay, even if he 
did not wish to remain with the command. The Doctor 
declined. He said he had been appointed to the chap- 
laincy without his consent ; had reported, did his duty 
faithfully, and felt that he could retire honorably. 

He came at once to Knoxville, and from there we 
went to Richmond, arriving about the middle of May. 
The Doctor held a two weeks' meeting for Bro. Petti- 
grew. We found a very cordial welcome, not only from 



130 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

him and his good wife, but from all the brethren and 
sisters. 

The Doctor had the pleasure of greeting many of his 
old friends from Kentucky and Missouri. Their influ- 
ence, added to that of the brethren, gave him a crowded 
house to preach to during his stay in the city. 

An old gentleman, a member of the Episcopal 
Church, heard him frequently. After a sermon in which 
he assailed infant baptism as unscriptural, some one 
asked the gentleman what he thought of the sermon. 
•' Oh," said he, '• the Doctor proved that it was not au- 
thorized by the Bible ; but it is an old Virginia custom, 
and he need not think we are going to give it up." 
Often hundreds of persons were turned away from the 
church, unable to find standing-room even in the galler- 
ies. One gentleman had been disappointed several 
times, and at length told his wife that he would not 
come home to supper, but she must fix him a lunch in- 
stead, and he would be at the church in time to get in. 
When the sexton went to unlock the door to light up the 
house, the gentleman was sitting on the steps, and 
walked in and got a seat in time. 

During the meeting Sister Pichegru Woolfolk came 
down to Richmond on a visit, though Bro. Pettigrew 
said she had smelled a protracted meeting. He said she 
was never so happy as when in a protracted meeting, and 
when she got to heaven the first thing she would want to 
know would be when they were going to begin one. 
She remained through the meeting and returned to 
Bowling Green, her home, and the next week the Doctor 
received a call to come up and make his home among the 
brethren there. 

The Doctor was delighted to leave the great city and 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON, 131 

the crowd and the bustle, the noise and confusion of 
tramping hosts, and escape to the quiet country. Sister 
Woolfolk took us to her own home. Dear old Holly 
Hill, " when I forget thee, let my right hand forget her 
cunning." After the tossings and tortures of the last 
year, what a sweet, peaceful asylum it seemed. Our 
family circle consisted of Sisters Pichegru Woolfolk, 
senior and junior; Sister Williamson, and Ciiarlie and 
Gay, her two children, daughter and grandchildren of 
Sister Woolfolk ; Sister Wm. Woolfolk, Mrs. Gen. Alex- 
ander, whose husband was Chief of Artillery in the Con- 
federate Army, and iier little daughter, Bessie; Dr. 
Hopson and myself. He and Master Charlie William- 
son were our bodyguard and the only male members of 
the family at home. Sister Woolfolk had five sons in 
the army. Occasionally our home was enlivened with a 
visit from one or the other of the boys, but their stay 
was brief Charlie was our errand boy, our mail carrier, 
our driver, if necessary. It was never too cold or too 
hot, too wet or too dry, too sunny or too cloudy, for him 
to do our behests. He was always courteous and polite, 
a special favorite with the Doctor. He was remarkably 
well informed for his age — only fourteen — and a great 
reader. His mother and grandmother were both very 
intellectual and cultured women. I feel this much is 
due to the boy, who, left fatherless at an early age, and 
by the misfortunes of others stripped of the little he 
might have possessed, has, by his own exertions, raised 
himself to an enviable position as President of a flour- 
ishing Female College, and associate editor of a popular 
religious paper. C. P. Williamson, of the Apostolic 
Guide, is widely and favorably known to our brethren. 
He came to Kentucky some time in 1872 or 1873. to 



132 LIFE OF DR. W. H, HOPSON. 

attend the University at Lexington. He made us a visit 
as he was on his return to Virginia. We were then liv- 
ing in Louisville. His friends in Virginia were urging 
him to adopt the law as a profession. Dr. Hopson in- 
sisted upon his returning to Kentucky University and 
studying with a view to the ministry. Before he left us 
he had almost decided to accept the Doctor's advice, 
which he did subsequently. 

For many months the Doctor had been deprived of 
studying. When at McMinnville we had no light at 
night by which to read, except fire light, as candles and 
lamps vvere a great luxury. Now the first thing in the 
morning we would see him with his book and chair, 
hunting the shade, where he would read until breakfast, 
after which he would return to his perch for the day. I 
never knew him to enjoy himself more than he did those 
few months of comparative rest at Holly Hill. Every 
Sunday morning the old family coach was brought out 
and filled with church-goers, off for Bowling Green, one 
and a half miles away, where the preacher was listened 
to by an unusually cultivated and intelligent audience. 
The Maurys, Woolfolks, Dejarnetts, Tylers, Whites, 
Tunstalls, Ropers, Parishes, Hudgins, and others, made 
up a community rarely excelled. 

We were forty miles from Richmond and twenty 
from Fredericksburg, on the main line of travel between 
the two places ; and while hundreds of troops were pass- 
ing and repassing, we seldom saw any soldiers, they 
usually going up on the railroad a hundred yards back 
of Holly Hill. 

We remained at Sister Woolfolk's until October. 
When the roads became had and the weather disagree- 
able we moved into Bowling Green, so as to be near the 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 133 

church. The Doctor held two meetings while at Holly- 
Hill — one near Guinea's Depot, where we were the 
guests of Bro. Chandler and wife, at whose house Stone- 
wall Jackson died, and one in King and Queen county. 
He had twelve or fourteen additions at the former and 
twenty-five at the latter. He was in receipt of a salary 
of two thousand dollars from the church, and the Doctor 
rented a cottage in Bowling Green and we went to house- 
keeping on that sum. Sister Jourdan Woolfolk loaned 
us a bed, bedstead, some blankets and a comfort ; Sisters 
Roper and White some sheets; another sister let us have 
a dutch oven and skillet. Among the rest we raised a 
few dishes, knives, forks, etc. Silverware had almost 
disappeared from this part of the country, having been 
sent where it would not l^e liai)le to lead any one into 
temptation. 

No two young people ever enjoyed going to house- 
keeping more than we did. There was no market to go 
to, but somehow our larder was well supplied. Bro. J. 
H. Dejarnett made us a present of a barrel of flour 
which cost him two hundred dollars. Bro. John White 
sent us a bushel of meal worth two or three dollars. 
Bro. Daniel Dejarnett and Robert sent us some nice hams 
and breakfast bacon. Two or three sisters sent me some 
chickens worth two dollars each; and every Sunday 
morning, when Sister Jourdan Woolfolk came in to 
church, she would bring me two or three pounds of 
sweet, golden butter, worth eight dollars a pound. 
Every time a beef was killed, or a mutton, some of it 
would always find its way to our house. We were well 
supplied with vegetables, including the delicious yam, 
which never tasted as good to me anywhere else. Dr. 
Roper furnished us with all the wood we needed ; and, 



134 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

to cap the climax of our bliss, Bro. Wm. S. Rogers, an 
old Kentucky friend, gave us twenty pounds of genuine 
coffee and twenty -five pounds of white sugar. Coffee 
was then worth $20 a pound and sugar $16. We were 
fifteen miles from Port Royal, from which place loads of 
oysters and fresh shad and bass were brought every day. 
Oysters were from $10 to $12 a gallon. When we could 
keep them frozen, as we often could, a gallon would last 
us a week. Fish was the cheapest dish we could have, 
and we enjoyed the fresh shad at two dollars a pair. We 
were not forgotten at Holly Hill. Sister Pichegru 
Woolfolk rarely ever came to Bowling Green that, iiid 
away somewhere in the old coach, there was not a pound 
of butter or a bottle of cream or a dozen eggs for the 
Doctor. 

By this description you can see how a preacher could 
live off a $2,000 salary in Confederate money. We were 
never forgotten at the old mansion, by Sister White. A 
nice loaf of bread, a roast of beef, a nice piece of tripe, 
a few eggs, a jug of cream, were always finding their 
way to our table. 

We kept no servant. I did our cooking, with the 
Doctor's help. For our breakfast we would have a nice 
dish of brown toast, a johnnycake baked on a board, a 
good cup of coffee, and fish or oysters broiled on the 
coals. We would draw our little table up to the fire be- 
tween us, and I would tend the johnnycake to see when 
it needed turning, toast the bread and butter it, and the 
D.ictor would lay the oysters in the shell on the hot coals, 
knowing just when to take them off, and how large a 
piece of butter and how much salt and pepper was needed 
to add to the delicate morsel. Does any one wonder that 
we were happy ? I never knew the Doctor to enjoy 



LIFE OP DR. W. H. HOPSON. 135 

home as much. There was but one drawback to our 
happiness : we could not hear from Sadie or mother, but 
we tried to feel that all would be well. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

Gen. Wade Hampton. — His Request. — His Gratification. — Christ- 
mas Dinner for Gen. Lee. — Preparations to Remain in Bowl- 
ing Green. — Battles of May 5, 6 and 8. — Wounded Soldiers. — 
The Retreat. — Beating Lee to Richmond. 

Early in the winter of 1863-'64, Gen. Wade Hamp- 
ton and his whole command pitched their tents within 
half a mile of Bowling Green. This, of course, dis- 
turbed the quiet of our little town ; but still the troops 
were well disciplined, and gave no trouble. 

Dr. Hopson preached in the church on Sunday, and 
would go out and preach to the soldiers during the 
week, at the earnest invitation of their Chaplain. Gen. 
Hampton was a member of the Episcopal Church. Mr. 
Friend, the minister of that church, came up from Port 
Royal twice a month, to hold services in the church at 
Bowling Green. When he was absent. Gen. Hampton 
and some of his staff, and the soldiers, came to our 
church. After he hud heard the Doctor a number of 
times, he said to him one day, " Dr. Hopson, I never 
heard of you people before I came here. I see that 
nearly everybody around here belongs to your church. I 
would really like to know what you teach. I wish you 
would preach a sermon embodying your principles as a 
people." The Doctor told him that the first time he saw 
him at church he would do so. He was present the fol- 
lowing Lord's day, and the church was crowded with 
officers and soldiers, who had got wind of the matter. 



LIFE OF DR, W. H. HOPSON. 137 

The Doctor spoke nearly two liours. I never saw a 
more patient and attentive audience. The Doctor dis- 
missed the people before he attended to the Supper. 
Many remained and partook with us, among them Gen. 
Hampton. After services were over, he shook hands 
with the Doctor, thanking him for the sermon, and said, 
" I can see nothing to object to. I wish I had heard 
these things earlier in life, when I had time to investi- 
gate and tliink about them ; but now I have no time for 
anything but this serious business of war, war." 

The 1st of December the Doctor insisted that I 
should go down to Richmond, and buy a stove, carpet, 
dishes, spoons, etc., and so be able to return our borrowed 
ones. Those things were becoming very scarce through- 
out the country. He gave me $1,500, and would have 
given me much more, but I was afraid I would be 
robbed ; and I went down to the city. My first invest- 
ment was a stove. I could only get a second-hand one, 
it had not been used very much ; for that I paid $200. 
My carpet (ingrain) cost $250 ; a soup tureen, $35 ; half 
a dozen steel knives and forks, $54 ; half a dozen cups 
and saucers, $50 ; half a dozen breakfast plates, $60 ; 
twelve yards 11^ sheeting, $132 ; nutmeg grater, $1 ; 
butcher knife, $2 ; hatchet, $5 ; two second-hand table- 
cloths, $80; a pound of soda, $3 ; one pound of tea, $8 ; 
half a dozen plated spoons, $36 ; a wash bowl and 
pitcher, $10 ; water bucket, $3 ; an ounce of ground 
pepper, 50 cents. A few minor purchases, and a thou- 
sand dollars had been spent. I began to fear I should 
not have enough money to get home on. 

When I returned home, the Doctor was highly 
amused at my shopping experience, and not at all horri- 
fied at the amount of my expenditures ; indeed, he 



138 LIFE OF DE. W. H. HOPSON. 

thought I had made wonderful bargains. The purchase 
of bed and bedstead was simply impossible. Fortu- 
nately Sister Woolfolk did not need hers, and we were 
content to be the recipients of her bounty. 

When Christmas came, several of the ladies in 
Bowling Green concluded they would cook and send 
Gen. Lee his dinner, each one to contribute her share. 
I happened to be the only one who had genuine coffee, 
and it afforded me very great pleasure to toast and grind 
three or four pounds and place it with the other good 
things — four fat turkeys, dressed with plump oysters, 
baked fish, sweet potatoes, mince pies, pickles, jellies, 
bread, and nice butter. Every article carried with it a 
blessing and a prayer for the revered chief. Col. Pich- 
egru Woolfolk, who was on sick leave, took it up ta 
Spottsylvania Court-house, sixteen miles, in his buggy. 
The dinner almost filled a two-bushel basket. He was 
just in time. Gen. Lee and a number of his officers had 
just sat down to buttermilk, corn bread and bacon. With 
the assistance of a servant, the basket was deposited in 
Gen. Lee's presence. He turned back the table-cloth 
that covered the tempting dinner, and took a brief in- 
ventory of the contents of the basket, while the officers 
were jubilant over their good fortune. 

Gen. Lee laid the cloth back, and said, " Send this 
to the hospital." His first thought jvas for those who 
were sick and wounded, and deprived of proper food 
and nourishment. We felt it was a noble act in Gen» 
Lee, but regretted he could not have enjoyed the good 
dinner, too. 

The winter passed quietly. We felt very safe with 
Gen. Lee and his army on one side of us and Gen. 
Hampton on the other, but it could not continue always 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 139 

SO peaceful. Spring came, and the cavalry was ordered 
forward. Preparations were being made for a vigorous 
campaign. The Doctor preached on, now and then go- 
ing from home to hold a meeting. We had no apprehen- 
sion that we should have to leave our quiet home for 
months. The Doctor had our garden plowed and nicely 
planted. By the first of April the seeds had sent their 
sprouts up through the mellow soil, and we were luxuri- 
ating in the prospect of eating of the fruits of our own 
labors. My four hens had each brought off a fine brood 
of healthy chicks, and we were enjoying in anticipation 
the nice broils we should have in a few weeks; but, alas! 
it was the oft-told tale. We planted, but another was to 
reap the fruit of our labor. 

The 5th of May, Gen. Grant, with 140,000 troops, 
confronted Gen. Lee at the Wilderness, and the conflict 
began in earnest. Nearer and nearer marched the demon 
of bloodshed and horror. Car-loads of wounded men 
Avere sent back to Milford Station, three miles from 
Bowling Green, and unloaded of their ghastly freight, 
and returned again to the battlefield. Ambulances filled 
the road with their burdens. Men on foot, with ban- 
daged heads, arms and legs, were wending their weary 
way to the same destination. The ladies of the town 
went at once to the depot, taking bandages, lint and 
nourishing food for the wounded. 

It was a sad sight to see those stalwart men lying on 
the grass, or on the platform, some with one leg off, some 
with one arm gone, some with terrible scalp wounds, 
some shot through the body or shoulder, a little brown 
spot indicating where the ball entered and where it made 
exit. They were trying to be cheerful and make the 
best of their condition. The surgeons were busy ex- 



140 LIFE OF DK. W. H. HOPSON. 

trading bullets from some, and some of those suffering 
least from their wounds were supporting the heads of 
their comrades while the skillful surgeon was probing 
the wounds. I did not know before how tender and 
compassionate a man could be. They were as gentle as 
a woman in their ministrations. I only accompanied 
the ladies one day. It w^as more than I could bear ; the 
sight of blood always made me very sick. The Doctor 
went down the next two days. When he came home 
he said : " Ella, we must leave here by day after to- 
morrow. Lee is going to fall back to Richmond. I am 
not an alarmist, but I was at Murfreesboro and knovY 
the signs of a retreat." Capt. Woolfolk and several oth- 
ers tried to laugh the Doctor out of his " scare," as they 
called it. They assured him they would get him away 
safely if such a thing should happen. He persisted, and 
we at once found ready purchasers for our household 
goods, and left for Richmond with a pocketful of Con- 
federate money. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

Brief Stay in Richmond. — Amelia County. — Amelia Springs. — 
Jetersville. — Paineville. — Kautz and Wilson's Raid. — Flight 
to Horse Pasture. — Bro. D. H. Spencer. — Henry C. H. 

We left Bowling Green with a very sad heart. We 
had spent such a peaceful, happy time among those peo- 
ple, it was hard to leave them to go we knew not where. 
The last two days and nights we were there the roar of 
the artillery could be heard, and the concussion rattled 
our windows all day long and nearly all night. I felt I 
could bear it no longer. The thought was terrible to me 
that at every volley hundreds of souls were sent, perhaps 
unprepared, into the presence of their Creator. We Itft 
Wednesday evening, and Friday morning at sunrise six 
thousand Federal troops rode into the town. 

The day after our arrival in Richmond the Doctor 

walked out on Broadway, where the cars were bringing 

in the wounded of both armies. They were lying on 

gravel-cars, waiting for ambulances to take them to the 

hospitals. All the length of the train the citizens with 

buckets of water were giving the poor fellows drink. 

The Doctor secured a bucket and tin cup and went to 

the assistance of the others. He noticed that but little 

attention was paid to the Boys in Blue, and immediately 

commenced giving them water and pouring it on their 

dried bandages. They seemed very grateful. Some one 

said to him : " Let them go. Let us take care of our 

own first. They are our enemies." Dr. Hopson said : 

1-11 



142 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

" I read in my Bible, ' If thine enemy hunger, feed him ; 
if he thirst, give him drink.' Let us do good to all as 
they come." 

We made a very short stay in Richmond, the Doctor 
accepting the invitation of Dr. John Jeter, of Amelia 
county, to make him a visit and remain with him during 
the coming summer. 

The battle of Cold Harbor was fought the week after 
we reached there. We felt we w^ere now safe from 
further molestation. The Doctor immediately made ap- 
pointments, accepting the numerous invitations to hold 
meetings, and began work as soon as he was fairly settled 
in our new home. We were now forty miles south of 
Richmond, near the Danville & Richmond R. R,, where 
we were very sure we shoukl only hear rumors of war. 

The day the battle of Cold Harbor was fought was a 
hot, sultry day. It seemed there was not a breath of air 
stirring, and I am certain that, though such a long dis- 
tance lay between us and the battle-ground, we heard the 
cannonading. It was like the roll of distant thunder. 
The result of the battle of the third of June was made 
very sad to us by the death of Clarence, Sister Pichegru 
Woolfolk's youngest son. He was killed just at the close 
of the battle, with a stray shot, as he was resting for a 
few moments on a log. How our hearts went out in 
sympathy to that beloved family in their first loss of the 
war ! Col. Pichegru came near dying from a wound 
received at Gettysburg, but he was spared to be killed in 
the fall of the capitol at Richmond after peace had spread 
her wings over the land. 

Again we found our lot cast in pleasant places. Dr. 
Hopson held a number of meetings in Amelia county. 
Jetersville, Paineville and Amelia Springs were three 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 143 

points. When the weather became very warm we spent 
six weeks at the Springs, the guests of Bro. Sam. Cot- 
trell and wife. The Doctor preached nearly every Sun- 
day there during that time, and held a protracted meet- 
ing with over thirty additions; indeed, the whole sum- 
mer was like one protracted meeting. September and 
October he preached in Prince Edward, Nodaway, Lun- 
enburg, Charlotte and Mecklenburg counties, and had 
good success everywhere. We returned to Amelia county 
and to Dr. Jeter's the last of October. The Doctor was 
taken very sick from over-exertion. Dr. Jeter and Bro. 
Thomas Crenshaw nursed him as it he had been a brother 
in the flesh. He was too ill to be up, when Kautz and 
Wilson made their raid through the country. We could 
see the burning depots and bridges from Dr. Jeter's 
house very plainly. The Doctor decided that as soon as 
he was able he would move on ; this time he would make 
sure and get clear beyond the possibility of trouble. 
Bro. D. H. Spencer, of Horse Pasture, Henry county, 
had invited us to visit him and spend some time. Again 
the Doctor had to bid good-bye to friends and hunt new 
fields of labor. He had been greatly aided during his 
meetings by Brethren Crenshaw, Holland, Walthal and 
Wilson, but he must find other co-workers now. We 
left Amelia as soon as the railroad was repaired. On 
arriving at Danville we took stage for Horse Pasture. 
The first night we reached Henry Court-house and 
stayed there all night. Four miles from the court-house, 
on the Danville road, we passed Leatherwood, once the 
home of Dr. Hopson's grandfather, and where his father 
was born. We reached Bro. Spencer's the next day in 
time for dinner. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

Blue Ridge.— Patrick C. H.— Paid $5,000 for a Horse, $500 for a 
Saddle. — Plenty of Money. — Teaching in Patrick Henry Acad- 
emy. — Thirty-five Pupils. — $3,500 a Month Salary. — Going to- 
Church. — Confederate Candle. 

We were now nestled in the little mountains at the 
foot of the Blue Ridge, that rose higher and higher, 
until Mount Nebo and Airy reared their tall heads, like 
sentinels, to the southwest of us, while towards the set- 
ting sun lay the long line of blue, from which the moun- 
tain chain takes its name. 

We were fifty miles due west from Danville, and six 
miles from the North Carolina line. Our nearest town 
was fourteen miles — Henry Court-house. Our post- 
office was three or four, at Penn's Store. Patrick 
Court-house was twenty miles west of us, right at the 
foot of the Blue Ridge. Dr. Hopson made arrange- 
ments to preach once a month at Patrick Court-house, 
and twice a month at Horse Pasture Church. The rest 
of the time Bro. Spencer was to dispose of as he thought 
best. The first thing to be thought of was a means of 
conveyance. Owing to the hilly country, and bad roads 
at this season of the year, he only needed a horse, for 
which he cheerfully paid Bro. Spencer ^5,000. He also 
succeeded in buying a saddle and bridle, which cost him 
$600 more. 

The horse was a very fine-looking, large gray animal, 
and strong enough to stand any amount of burden. 

144 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOFSON. 145 

We had plenty of money then. Wherever the Doc- 
tor had held a meeting, he had been amply remunerated 
by a liberal brotherhood. He would often receive from 
seven to eight hundred dollars for a ten days' meeting, 
besides which a sister would often say, "Here, Doctor, 
is a little present. I sold a turkey the other day for fifty 
dollars, and can make no better use of it than to give 
the money to you ;" or some brother would hand him 
from one to two hundred dollars as a private donation. 

When we had time to look around us, we felt satis- 
fied that there were good people all over Virginia. For 
away out of the United States and the Confederate 
States, and almost out of the world, we had discovered a 
home where we could write on its walls, " A la bam a." 
Here we could rest, and fear no evil. As soon as I had 
learned our geographical position, I told Dr. Hopson. " If 
ever a Federal soldier reaches here the cause is lost, for 
they will go everywhere else first." 

We had no near neighbors, but we could see the 
houses of four or five from our own high porch. A 
mile away was the home of Ballard Preston, which had 
been made desolate by his death a few months before. 
Dr. Francis was on another high hill ; and back of us 
Dr. Dillard lived. No one put his house under a 
bushel in that country. We could see other farms and 
tenements five and six miles from us. There was a great 
deal of wealth in the two counties, though it was con- 
fined to a few families. Of one thing you would have 
to be very careful — if you had an evil tongue, you 
must not ispeak ill of any one, for everybody was kin to 
everybody else. And as all the matrons and their 
mothers and daughters had been educated at the Moravian 



146 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

school in North Carolina, thirty or forty miles south of 
there, this made them all double kin. 

We had been in Henry county but a short time, be- 
fore the friends began to beg Dr. Hopson to open school 
in Patrick Henry Academy, four miles from our home. 
There were no schools of any kind in the county, and 
the children were losing much valuable time. He 
opened school with thirty-five boys and young men. He 
had to leave home early in the morning, and be away 
until dark. The time hung heavy on my hands, and I 
was glad when Sister Spencer proposed that I should 
teach her children who were too small to go to the Acad- 
emy. I consented, and taught for a while in Bro. Spen- 
cer's office in the yard, but soon had applications for 
more pupils than I could accommodate there, and moved 
my school to a cabin a few hundred yards away. I had 
twenty-five pupils, and the Doctor thirty-five. I received 
$500 a month for all my pupils, and he $3,500 for his 
school. We were making money fast, and had our eyes 
on a nice little farm worth $26,000, which we were going 
to buy when we made up the amount. 

It kept the Doctor busy at night renewing his 
studies. Some of the young gentlemen were very well 
advanced, as there had always been a good school kept 
up at the Academy. We had no candles or lamps, and 
had to read and study by the help of lightwood, or fat 
pine, which was the heart of old pine trees, and filled 
with resin and turpentine. It made a light by which 
you could see to read in the furthest part of the room. I 
said we had no candles. We did, and I will tell you 
how they were made. We had first made a square block 
of wood, six inches square ; in the middle was inserted 
a stick a foot high. We then took a ball of candle 



LIFE OF DR. W. 11. HOPSON. 147 

wicking, and dipped it in a mixture of beeswax, resin, 
and a little tallow, which was very scarce, as the govern- 
ment wanted all the grease in the country to grease the 
army wagons. After the wick was thickly coated, we 
would take our fifteen foot candle, and commence at the 
bottom of the stick, and coil it round and round until it 
formed a pyramid ; then we would wind a narrow strip 
of tin around the stick, make a loop near the top, and 
draw our wick through it — and we had our caudle. 

But this candle was kept for Sunday and company. 
When the house was filled with visitors, those who re- 
tired first took the candle, with the injunction, " As soon 
as you are through with it, set it outside your door," as 
it often had to do duty for half a dozen people. 

Horse Pasture was not a town ; it was the name of a 
creek, which ran down from the mountains. Our church 
was two miles from Bro. Spencer's. The gentlemen 
always went on horseback and the ladies of the family 
in the carriage. Sometimes, when all the horses were at 
home, I would ride through the shorter route with the 
Doctor, but the hills were so steep and long I did not 
enjoy it much, finding it very difficult to keep from slip- 
ping back oif the saddle. The church was a good sub- 
stantial frame building, out in the woods. The people 
came to church, some on horseback, some in carriages, 
some in ox carts, some on foot, until the house would be 
filled. 

I was particularly struck with the deference paid to 
women, by young men especially. If a lady rode up to 
the stile, unattended, two or three young men would 
hasten to assist her to alight and help her down from the 
block, and almost always escort her to the door. This 
was common all over Virginia, but! I noticed it more 



148 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

here thau anywhere, perhaps because I thought one 
would not have expected it. 

While many elegant and cultured people came to 
church, the majority of the congregation were poor peo- 
ple, totally uneducated, living scattered all through the 
hills and valleys of the country. The Doctor adapted 
his preaching to the latter class, and said if they could 
understand him the others could. The common people 
heard him gladly. He was successful in turning some to 
Christ. 

Fortunately the winter was not severe, and the spring 
opened early. At rare intervals we heard news from the 
front. The scene of conflict was too far away for us to 
know much of it. Nearly all the really able-bodied 
men were gone from the country. None of them had 
time to spend in visiting their families. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

Evacuation of Richmond. — The Doctor's Arrest, Detention and 
Release. — Col. Trowbridge. — Maj. Standish.— His Return to 
Horse Pasture. — The Raid. 

Thus passed the winter of 1864-'65. The Doctor was 
happy in the consciousness that he was doing some good 
and making himself useful to his fellow-men. His only 
drawback was, we heard nothing from our mother and 
daughter, and the already heavy burden of his debt was 
daily growing heavier. He never fretted or complained, 
but bore his enforced exile patiently. 

I am sure that for several months he had not believed 
the South would succeed. He thought the odds against 
her too formidable and her resources too limited. Her 
soldiers were on half-rations most of the time, and their 
ranks were being depleted by death and capture. 

The 1st of April, Richmond was evacuated, and Presi- 
dent Davis and the cabinet halted at Danville. The 
news of the fall of Richmond traveled fast, and pene- 
trated even to our secluded home. As soon as the Doc- 
tor learned that it was really so, he left Bro. Spencer's 
to go to Danville, consult with Gen. John B. Clark, 
Vest, and Hatch, of Missouri, as to the prospect of the 
Confederacy. When he had learned that, he could 
deci<le what was best to be done. 

He left Horse Pasture the morning of April 9th. 
He iiad received grapevine dispatches that Stoneman 
with his command was coming from Christiansburg, on 

149 



150 LIFE OF DR. ^y. H. HOPSON. 

his way to North Carolina to join the Federal forces 
coming from the South. This hastened the Doctor's 
departure. 

He had not been gone more than two hours before 
we learned that he must have ridden right into the Fed- 
eral lines. Gen. Stoneman, having heard that there was 
a small Confederate force at Henry Court-house, sent 
around a portion of his command under Col. Trowbridge 
to drive them out. 

I will give Dr. Hopson's account of his trip : 

" I was riding along in no enviable mood, thinking of the un- 
certain future and of my separated family. As I neared the court- 
house, I noticed some soldiers sitt ing on the fence by the roadside. 
They were in their shirtsleeves, and as I rode on, some one cried, 
' Halt !' I said, * All right,' and continued on my way. Again 
the word rang out, ' Halt, I tell you !' and another argument in 
the shape of an army musket induced me to obey the command. 
I still did not comprehend why I should be halted this far from 
the army. I began to look round, and saw four soldiers, and soon 
discovered that some of them had on blue coats instead of gray, 
I knew then that I was in the hands of the Federals. One of them 
said, ' Get down off that horse.' I said, ' All right,' and dis- 
mounted. Another, ' Come out of them spurs.' I took my gold 
spurs (a present from Dr. C. K. Marshall, of Atlanta,) off and gave 
them to him. ' Hand over that watch,' said a third, and I handed 
it. I took my saddle and blanket off my horse, and as I laid it 
down I asked the fourth man, who had not said anything, if there 
was anything he would like to have. He said no, he did not want 
anything. Just at this juncture an old darkey walked up and 
said t > the soldiers : ' What for you take dat man's horse ? He 's 
a preacher. Lives up to mas' Harrison Spencer's. He' s the 
best preacher in dis country.' The fourth man then turned and 
asked me, ' Are you a preacher of the gospel ?' I told him I was. 
' Why did n't you say so before ?' ' Because I thought it would 
be worse for me.' '(Well, if you will go with us to headquarters 
you will get back your watch and spurs.' I had no choice and 
went, with my saddle and blanket4thrown over my shoulder. 

" I was taken at once before Col. Trowbridge. Dr. Ramey, a 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. IIOPSON. 151 

warm friend of mine, who had known my grandfather and father, 
and who was the one Union man in Henry C. H., happened to 
be present. Col. Trowbridge asked me who I was. I told him. 
He wanted to know how I happened to have on Confederate gray 
uniform. I told him we had only two colors in the South — gray 
and butternut — and I preferred the gray. He said he thought it 
showed good taste. Dr. Ramey corroborated my statements in 
regard to my profession, and that my home for six months had 
been in the country, and I had been preaching and teaching all 
the time. 

"I then ventured to ask for my watch and horse. He asked 
me to point out the man who had my watch. I did so, and it was 
returned to me. I was so anxious about my horse I forgot my 
spurs. I then said, ' Colonel, I would like my horse, as it is really 
ray means of support. I am compelled to have it to go to my 
appointments twenty miles apart.' ' Dr. Hopson, you can not 
have your horse. AYe need horses very much, and yours seems 
to be a fine one, and I shall be compelled to keep him.' I saw 
the case was desperate, but determined not to give it up readily. 
I said : ' Col. Trow bridge, you are an old army officer and was 
with Gen. Robert E. Lee in the Mexican war, and I know you 
are too much of a gentleman to take a poor preacher's horse.' 
The Colonel looked at me a moment and said : ' How did you 
know all this ? You have done some good talking, but I can not 
let you have your horse.' ' You '11 give him to me, Colonel, I 
am sure.' ' You '11 see,' said he. 

"Just then Dr. Ramey and Maj. Standish, who was Quarter- 
master, I think, came up to where we were talking. Colonel 
Trowbridge said : ' Maj. Standish, see what that horse is suitable 
for.' The Major walked round the horse, examined him closely, 
and told one of the men to throw the saddle on. As soon as the 
saddle touched his back the horse became very restive. The 
Major found a sore on his back as large as a dollar. I always put 
a thick pad under the saddle, with a hole in it, so as to protect 
the place when I rode, but when I took the saddle off, the pad 
was lost. Maj. Standish said to the Colonel: 'This horse will 
not do for a pack horse, his back is too sore ; and he is too heavily 
built for a cavalry horse.' ' Very well ; let the gentleman have 
his horse.' ' Thank you, Colonel. I told you that you would let 
me have my horse.' ' If he had been fit for service you would 



152 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

not have got him back, I assure you.' ' I can go now, Colonel ?' 
'No, you can not leave here for twenty-four hours.' 

" Dr. Ramey invited me to go home with him, which I did- 
He and Maj. Standish accompanied me. As we were walking 
along, the Major said : ' Dr. Hopson, Dr. Ramey tells me you are 
a minister in the Disciples' church. Do you know Isaac Errett, 
of Cincinnati ?' ' Very well.' ' Well, he used to live in Michi- 
gan, and he baptized my wife and daughters. To tell you the 
truth, he did me, too, but I have got a bit demoralized in the 
army ; but my wife and daughters are good Christians. I think 
my wife will forgive me a few wrong things when I let her know 
I saved one of her preachers his horse. Your horse is a very fine 
horse, and we needed him ; but you have got him — try and keep 
him.' I certainly felt very grateful to the Major for his kindness. 
The loss of my horse would have been a serious one to me at 
that tiuie." 

The following day he was allowed to leave for 
home. 

On Saturday night we learned from a servant that 
the soldiers would pass Bro. Spencer's on Sunday morn- 
ing, on their w^ay back to join their command. I was up 
by sunrise, watching to see the approach. At eight 
o'clock we saw the column advancing over the hill, 
nearly two miles away. The blue line and glittering 
fcabers looked formidable in the bright sunlight. I pre- 
sumed the Doctor was a prisoner, and would be in the 
approaching line. I was certain I should easily recog- 
nize the gallant gray horse and his rider among a thou- 
sand. The horse was raised on the place, and would 
likely desire to call. 

By nine o'clock the long lino began to file past in 
the road a hundred yards down the hill. I watched in 
vain for the horse and rider I wanted ; nothing answer- 
ing the description was in sight. At length, just as the 
column was more than half past the ^house, I saw sixty 
of the colored troops leave the command, and, wheeling 



LIFE OF DR. \V. H. HOPSON. 153 

their horses out of the Hue, they came galloping up to 
the house. To say I was frightened, would express my 
feelings very feebly 

I rushed down stairs and into Sister Spencer's room, 
which by this time was filled with soldiers. If there had 
been a single white man among them, I should not have 
been so frightened ; but there was not one. Just then I 
espied Dr. Ramey's dining-room servant, whom I knew, 
and thought I would venture to ask him if he had seen 
anything of Dr. Hopson. He said certainly ; he stayed 
all night with his master the night before, and would 
leave at noon, after all the troops had got fairly off; but 
he did not know where the Doctor was going, I felt 
some relief in knowing he was safe, at least. 

At that moment Bro. Spencer came into the house, 
and said to the soldiers, " Boys, the liquor is in the 
smoke house." They dropped the keys, and followed 
him out of the house. By the time they had filled some 
of their canteens with apple brandy, and the remainder 
with sorghum molasses, and secured each one a piece of 
bacon, a ham, or a shoulder, the receding line of troops 
warned them that they had better he going; and we 
were left in peace. I went to bed ill from fright and 
anxiety. About six o'clock that evening, a servant be- 
longing to a neighbor came to the house to bring me ti~ 
dings of the Doctor. When he left Henry Court-house, 
he made a wide detour, to avoid falling in with the sol- 
diers again, and on Sunday evening reached a h gh hill 
commanding a view of Bro. Spencer's house, about six 
miles away. He got the boy to come to let me know he 
would come home in the morning, when he would not be 
apprehensive of further trouble. I felt so relieved and 
thankful that it was as well with us all as it was ! 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

News of the Surrender. — Start for Richmond. — Our Detention. — 
Dr. Hopson as a Huckster. — Selling Vegetables and Fruit to 
th*" Federal Construction Corps for Tea, Coffee, Flour, etc. — 
Aiding Two Old People. — Three Attempts to Reach Rich- 
mond.^ — Trip in a Sutler's Wagon across the Last Field of 
Battle. — Arrival at Amelia Springs. — Fishing. — Call to Rich- 
mond Church. 

It must have been the middle of the week when we 
heard of the surrender of Gen. Lee. Cabbal Brecken- 
ridge, son of John C, and several Confederate officers, 
came through there on their way to the South, thinking 
it the safest route. From them we learned the news. 
All the Doctor said when he heard it, was, " It is fin- 
ished ! The war is ended." Before we had recovered 
from the first shock, another followed — the death of Lin- 
coln. As soon as we could realize that it was true, the 
Doctor said, " It is the worst thing that could have hap- 
pened to the South at this time." This was the univer- 
sal cry. 

I asked the Doctor if he remembered my remark 
about the advent of Federal soldiers in the county. He 
said he did. The day he was taken prisoner Lee sur- 
rendered. 

His only thought now was to place himself in a po- 
sition to communicate with his friends. He sold his 
horse, saddle and bridle to Bro. Spencer, and as soon as 
possible started to Richmond. When he arrived in 

164 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 155 

Danville, he at once visited the Provost Marshal's Office, 
to procure passes to Richmond. He was informed that 
he would have to take the regular oath of allegiance to 
the United States government, whicli he did, and the 
papers were procured. After considerable delay and nO' 
inconsiderable annoyance, we left Danville. The car& 
were crowded and packed with citizens and soldiers. 
They had to run very slowly, the track was in such a 
bad condition. We arrived at Meherrin's Station early 
in the morning, and found we could not go much 
further. Fortunately we were within four miles of 
some friends with whom we had stayed while the Doctor 
held a meeting at Liberty Church, near by. The cars 
took us to the station nearest their house, where the 
Construction Corps were at work repairing the road, 
which was almost entirely destroyed between there and 
Richmond. 

We left our trunk at the station, and walked through 
the woods to Bro. Wooten's, a mile. We found Bro. 
and Sister Wooten, two very old people, and their two 
daughters, all the white occupants of the home. The 
brothers had not yet been paroled. They were so glad 
to see us — they felt so desolate ! All their old family 
servants were gone, and only two little darkeys, a boy 
and girl of ten and twelve, were left. They had an old 
horse and one cow left of their well-stocked farm. They 
had a little corn meal and a few pounds of bacon. In 
the garden were plenty of beets, onions and lettuce, but 
they thought them too small to use. 

The day following our arrival. Dr. H. took a basket 
and the two servants, and went into the garden. He 
pulled up some of the young beets and onions, and half 
filled the basket. Then he made the little fellows pick 



156 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSOX. 

some green currants and gooseberries, with which the 
bushes were loaded, laid a paper over the vegetables, and 
filled the basket full. He then got a two-gallon earthen 
jar, and filled it with milk, and with his two sable com- 
panions went down to the camp of the Construction 
Corps. They were delighted to see him, and Capt. 
Drummond at once had the basket and jar emptied ; and 
the basket was soon filled with packages of rice, sugar, 
flour, tea, soda, pepper, salt, and the jar with ground 
coffee. The Captain said he was so glad to get the 
things, and to come every day and make the exchanges. 
By the end of the week the big ox-heart cherries were 
ripe, and they were added to the load. 

The first day, when the Doctor returned with his 
groceries, the old people were astonished and delighted ; 
hut when the Doctor laid the package of tea in the old 
lady's lap, she smelled it, and actually cried for joy. In 
a few minutes the tea-kettle was boiling, and she was en- 
gaged in sipping her favorite beverage, which she* had 
not tasted for months before. The last pound of tea sold 
in Richmond, it is said, brought $375, and the last bar- 
rel of flour $2,500. 

Capt. Drummond said the way would be open for us 
to go on to Richmond in a week. One morning he sent 
a messenger to^ let us know that the cars would be 
through some time during the day, and to come down 
and take dinner with him. He sent for our trunk, and 
we said good-bye to our friends, and left. We waited 
until 3 p. M. No cars, but a dispatch that the end of the 
bridge over the Roanoke had settled, and it would be 
two or three days before it would be repaired so that 
cars could cross. It was a very great disappointment to 
us, but Capt. Drummond sent us back home again, with 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. IIOPSON. 157 

ample provisions for another week. In a few days he 
notified us again, and we went down to the depot, dined 
with him again, and waited. The train from Richmond 
passed down the track to Meherrin's, where the trains 
usually met and passed each other. We heard the whis- 
tle of the other train as it came up from the South. We 
waited on an hour or two, and saw several gentlemen 
walking up the track from the station below. Capt. 
Drummond met them, and found that the trains had 
tried to pass on the same track, and, not succeeding, had 
collided. I told the Doctor I felt like walking to Rich- 
mond. Capt. Drummond said I must not get out of 
patience — they were a good deal longer trying to get to 
Richmond than we had been. We went back to Bro. 
Wooten's again. The Doctor took it very coolly. He 
said he was sure if we lived long enough that we should 
reach there, and he had learned to be patient. 

Four more days passed before we received the third 
summons. We told our dear friends we would not say 
good-bye until w^e came back. We were very sure we 
would be off this time. When we got to the depot the 
train was standing on the track — nothing but box-cars 
and an engine. We got on board. I seated myself on 
my trunk and the Doctor found a bench. The tops of 
the cars were covered with freedmen, going to Paradise, 
as they conceived Richmond to be ; the inside filled with 
all kinds of luggage, except the car we were in, which 
was reserved for half a dozen white passengers. We 
shook hands with Capt. Drummond and started. Our 
hearts were light, and we felt we should in a few hours 
be able to write to our friends and hear from them. But 
in this instance, as in many others, " the best laid 
schemes" were all thwarted. We ran a mile from the 



158 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

depot, and had just got into the middle of a fill nearly 
fifty feet liigh, when there was a sudden jar, and when I 
picked myself up off the floor I saw heads, hands, feet 
flying off the top of the car and rolling down the em- 
bankment, some cursing and some praying. A broken 
rail had thrown the engine off the track. But for the 
slow rate we were traveling, the result would have been 
most serious. As it was, only one was killed, a boy of 
sixteen, who fell between the cars and was crushed to 
death. 

As soon as Capt. Drummond saw something had hap- 
pened, he got on a hand-car and came at once to see 
what was the matter. He told the Doctor he had done 
his best to get rid of him, but he believed it was impos- 
sible, so he would load us and our baggage onto the 
hand-car and send us back to the depot. We thankfully 
accepted the alternative, and night found us again the 
guests of Bro. Wooten. The old people said they had 
got so used to our coming back they would have been 
disappointed if we had failed them. 

The Doctor continued his marketing until they had 
provisions enough to last them three or four months — 
sugar, coffee, tea, canned fruits, lard, pickled pork, dried 
beef, etc. The Doctor said the exercise kept him from 
stagnating. 

By this time the paroled soldiers began to return 
home. Some of them were bringing horses and sutlers' 
wagons with them, and the Doctor now decided he would 
try to reach our goal by another route. In a day or two 
he made arrangements for a young man to take us as far 
as Amelia Springs, twenty miles. This was as far as he 
was willing to go. We took a last farewell of the dear 
old people who had sheltered us in our hour of need, 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 159 

and drove down past the depot to say good-bye to Capt. 
Drunimond. We left him witli real regret, for his great 
courtesy and kindness to us, and we sliall always remem- 
ber his generous assistance with heartfelt pleasure. 

We left by sunrise, as the man wished to return the 
same day. We had to drive with great care. A part of 
the way our road lay right through the battle-field, where 
the last terrible struggle of the war occurred. The 
scene was one of desolation and ruin. The fences were 
all torn down, the trees cut to pieces with minnie balls, 
or mowed down with grape and canister; here a pile of 
shell, there a broken caisson, here a dead horse, there a 
mule, here a half-buried soldier, and there a bird of prey 
glutting itself on the dead carcasses. It was a scene I 
shall never forgot. We were momentarily in fear that a 
shell might explode under us, but by the providence of 
God we arrived safely at the Springs in time for dinner. 
Bro. Cottrell met us and threw his arms around the 
Doctor and wept. I think we all shed a few tears. I, 
for one, had been ready to cry all day. There were 
never more grateful prayers went up to the throne of 
God than ascended from the family altar that night. 

Something else was to be thought of now. Both 
armies had passed over the Springs, and what one left 
the other took. Bro. Cottrell was in the condition of 
Job, with the exception he had his children left and was 
not afflicted with boils, and he had a good Christian wife. 
Of forty head of horses and mules, two were saved ; of 
eighty cattle, not more than two ; of one hundred sheep 
and fifty hogs, but one. He was so wild, no one could 
get within rifle-shot of him. 

The next morning the Doctor and Jimmie Cottrell, a 
lad of twelve, were up by daylight, and, with fishing 



160 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

rods and bait, off for the creek, a few hundred yards 
away. In an hour or two they returned with enough 
fish for breakfast. This was their practice every morn- 
ing tiie two weeks we were there. The armies had only 
left Bro. Cottrell half of a middling, some corn meal, a 
little flour, and a few gallons of that great boon to the 
South — sorghum. Every day Bro. Cottrell and George, fl 
his servant (three of the servants never left him), would 
go out and hunt, shooting blackbirds, robins, or any bird 
that was eatable. In this way we were provided with 
meat from day to day, until the way was opened to Rich- 
mond, where alone supplies could be obtained. 

The preceding October, before the Doctor left the 
Springs to go to Henry county, Bro. Cottrell sealed up 
some valuable papers and $5,000 in gold, with some 
silverware, and putting them in a heavy canvas bag, had 
tied them tightly with a strong rope. He asked the 
Doctor to walk with him one night after dark, and they 
went together to a deep hole in the creek, a few hundred 
yards from the house, and he sunk the bundle in the 
hole, which was from fifteen to twenty feet deep. He 
said, in case anything should happen to him, he wanted 
the Doctor to know of the deposit and let his family 
know. As soon as the road was open to Richmond, they 
went down together and fished the package up, finding 
everything intact. He at once sent his trusty servant 
with some of the money to Richmond to purchase sup- 
plies, with which he returned the next day, to our great 
delight. In a few days the Doctor received a call to the 
Richmond Church. Bro. Pettigrew had resigned, after 
eleven years' faithful service. He was greatly beloved 
by his congregation, who disliked to give him up for 
anv one. 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 161 

Dr. HopsoD said he would go and visit the church, 
and see what was best to be done. He left the next day, 
and I remained at Bro. Cottrell's until he should decide 
what he would do. 

This was our first opportunity to write home, as there 
were no mail facilities from anywhere we had been since 
the war closed. We were becoming very impatient to 
hear from our loved ones. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

Takes Charge of the Church. — Condition of the Country. — Im- 
poverishment of the People. —R. M. Bishop's Generous Aid. — 
Brave People. — The Doctor's Indebtedness in Missouri nearly- 
Doubled. — Visit to Kentucky. — Preachers throughout Vir- 
ginia. — Bro. Shelburn, his Money and his Calf. 

On the Doctor's arrival in Richmond, he ascertained 
from the brethren, and Bro. Pettigrew himself, that his 
resignation was positive and final, before he would accept 
the invitation to become pastor of the church. He said 
no amount of money would influence him to rob a 
brother preacher of a deserved and desired position. 
When he found the way satisfactorily cleared, he con- 
sented to take charge of the church. He felt very grate- 
ful to the people of Virginia for the manner in which 
they had treated us when we came among them stran- 
gers during the war, and he felt that he would like to 
know them in times of peace as well. He at once en- 
tered upon his work, and the following week I joined 
him. 

I scarcely know in what terms of praise to speak of 
the brethren and sisters in Richmond, and, indeed, all 
Virginia. The country outside of and surrounding the 
city was desolated. Stock gone, fences destroyed, farm- 
ing implements worn out — literally, they seemed to have 
lost everything but pluck and honor. In the conflagra- 
tion attending the evacuation, nineteen blocks were 
burned in the business center of the city; shops, stores, 

162 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON, 163 

hotels, everything, went up in smoke. Our brethren, 
many of them, were severe sufferers. While they were 
left too poor to buy goods, if their stores hud not been 
burned they might have rented them to tlie numerous 
parties who flocked to the city with large stocks of goods 
as soon as it came into the possession of the Federal 
troops. Many families, once wealthy, had to draw 
rations of the government to sustain life. Others, rather 
than do that, boarded government officials and army 
officers, who were glad to secure quiet homes in private 
families. 

We were kindly cared for at the house of Mr. David 
Baker, one of those noble Jasons abounding in the 
world. His wife was a member of the church and a 
great sufferer. In a short time we were able to secure 
board with the family of Bro. E. B. Spence. 

When we arrived in Richmond we had plenty of 
money and bonds, but it was a little out of date and in 
large bills, nor could we readily get it changed into the 
currency of the country. Dr. Hopson notified Bro. R. 
M. Bishop of his impecunious condition. Bro. Bishop 
responded with a check for $300, and notice to call for 
more whenever needed. That his friends in Kentucky 
did not forget him jou will see from an extract of a let- 
ter from Bro. L. A. Cutler, of Richmond, pastor of 
Marshall Street Church : 

"When Kentucky brethren sent the Doctor money to use as 
he thought best, he supplied some of our preachers with cloth- 
ing. A box of clothing came to me when I was sadly in need of 
it. Oh, I am so sorry he is not able to preach the old Jerusalem 
Gospel which he formerly proclaimed with such impressiveness 
and power." 

The money sent him he distributed to those he 



164 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

thought needed it most. The money he borrowed he 
used to pay board, and purchase a few store clothes in 
the place of our Confederate home-made coats, dresses 
and bonnets. 

With all their poverty, the church determined that 
the gospel should be preached and the minister of God 
supported. It took no little self-denial to accomplish 
this result. 

Bro. Kinnaird, at his death, near tiie close of the 
war, left the church a nice house for a parsonage. It 
was ])artly furnished, but we were not able to add the 
needed furniture, and the Doctor rented it, in this way 
supplementing his salary. 

He now began to look the situation in the face, and 
the condition of things was not at all inviting. He 
took an inventory of his assets and liabilities. He had 
paid the interest on his indebtedness up to January, 1861. 
He was arrested in July, 1862. The war closed in 
April, 1865, and he was unable to pay anything on inter- 
est or principal until January, 1866, when he paid 
$1,600, given him on his visit to Kentucky by the 
brethren. His indebtedness still remained $11,284.00. 
His assets were wife, daughter, father and mother, good 
health, and a determination to pay his creditors to the 
uttermost farthing. 

He felt it to be his first duty to pay father and 
mother for their tender care of Sadie, her board, clothes, 
music lessons — the actual expense they were at for her 
during the four years of her sojourn with them. This 
amounted to $1,000, which he saved from his first year's 
salary in Richmond. In August, 1865, he sent for 
father to bring Sadie to us. He felt unwilling to give 
her up any longer. Her education was not completed^ 



LIFE OF DR. \V. II. IIOPSOX. 165 

but we had good schools in Virginia where she could go 
and yet be near us. After her arrival she spent some 
time with us in Richmond, and then the Doctor made 
arrangements for her to finish her school life with Bro. 
James Goss, at Piedmont Academy, which she did the 
following year. When she came to us, it was very diffi- 
cult to realize that the little girl of twelve" we left in 
1862 was now a grown young lady. 

In tlie spring of 1866 the Doctor decided to move 
his fatlier and mother to Virginia, the boarding school in 
Paris having suspended. They were getting old, and he 
felt that, as far as possible, care and anxiety as to the 
future should be removed from them. It was a joyful 
time when we all were united under the same roof again. 
Their advent was a benison to us after the long years of 
separation. 

We found the brethren bearing their reverses nobly, 
and giving more liberally in their adversity than they 
had done in their prosperity. I heard but one regret 
expressed by them throughout the State, and that was 
that they had not given more of their means to the cause 
of Christ before they were swept from them. Now, 
money, servants, and, in many instances, houses, were 
swept away, but they took up the burden of their lives 
without a murmur, as brave, true Christian men should. 
They had risked and lost, and accepted the penalty. 

Most of our preachers throughout the State were 
men of means, and were generou>* enough to preach for 
the churches without fee or reward. Brethren Goss, 
Henley, Shelburn, Ainslie, Coleman, Bullard, Flippo, 
\Valtha], all owned property, some more, some less. 
These men were a noble and devoted baud of men, self- 
sacrificing to the last. 



166 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

Dear old Bro. Shelbiirn used to visit us nearly every 
month after we went to Riolimond to live. He staid 
with us whenever he brought a load of marketing to 
sell. One day Bro. Shelburn seemed more than usually 
anxious to see the Doctor. When the Doctor came home, 
the old gentleman told him he had brought a thousand 
dollars to town with him, and wanted him to take it and 
keep it for him. He said he was afraid some one would 
steal it from him. The Doctor told him he would not 
like to be responsible for such an amount of money in 
such troublesome times, and advised him to deposit in 
Bro. Maury's bank. He knew nothing about banks ; 
had never had any money to put away before. The Doc- 
tor explained how banks took care of one's money, until 
Bro. Shelburn understood how to get his money into the 
bank. But he says : " Doctor, how shall I get it out 
again ? They might keep it." After the Doctor had 
explained all about check-books and checks, he went 
with the dear old man to the bank and saw the money 
safely deposited. He staid several days with us after the 
important event, and every little while he would say, 
" Well, well, it beats all !" alluding to the bank. 

Somebody stole a calf from Bro. Shelburn. He fol- 
lowed it to Richmond, and got the Doctor to go with him 
to the market to look for it. Dr. Hopson said : " Bro. 
Shelburn, would you know the calf!" He responded: 
"Know my calf! Better than I should one of my 
grandchildren," and they found it, sure enough, he 
identifying it easily. The Doctor wanted to know if he 
was going to prosecute the thief. He said : " No, I have 
got my calf. I do n't want the thief" Nor did he pros- 
ecute the man, a mere youth. 

Whenever the Doctor was holding a meeting, he 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 167 

Avould come and remain with us several days. I remem- 
ber, one night, after the Doctor had preached, there were 
several persons to be immersed. Bro. Pettigrew was to 
do the baptizing. Bro. Shelburn was stretched out full 
length on the front seat, with his head propped on the 
back of the pew. Bro. Pettigrew had retired to the 
dressing-room to prepare himself to administer the ordi- 
nance, A dead silence was. in the church. All at once 
Bro. Shelburn raised his head, and turning his beaming 
face to the congregation, said : " Brethren, sing a song, 
while Bro. Pettigrew has gone to change his breeches." 
You may imagine the sensation, and how difficult to 
raise a tune under such condition-s, but old Bro. Tyler 
was equal to the occasion and led in the song, " How 
happy are they." The dear old man was as free from 
guile as a child, and had a mould of granite with a heart 
of gold. He was a diamond in the rough. I must tell 
one more anecdote of him, even if I wander a little. 

A large portion of his life he had occupied a house 
in which the family room was several steps lower than 
the other portion of the house. He often had people 
come to his house to be married. They came through 
the hall and down the three or four steps into his room, 
where he performed the ceremony. At length he moved 
into a house where the floors were all on a level. He 
said, one day a couple came to be married. They walked 
into the room, and he started to say the ceremony, but 
could not get on at all. He could not imagine what was 
wrong. At length he discovered that there were no 
steps to the room. He had the couple go up the stairs 
leading out of the room and come down again, when he 
married them without any trouble. He told us this him- 
self. This man of God, so simple, honest, and plain of 



168 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

speech, was a veiy Boanerges in the pulpit. While Bro. 
Shelburn was bold and aggressive, like Peter, Bro. 
Walthal was loving and tender, like John, and Bro. 
Chester Bullard struck a happy mean between the two. 

Bro. Goss rarely left his school life in his mountain 
home to mingle in the great world outside. He was as 
modest as he was pure and good, and was always living 
near the white throne to which he expected almost daily 
to be summoned. In a few short years his life closed 
suddenly, as he had been expecting for a long period, 
and heaven won and earth lost a beautiful spirit. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

Bro. Clemmitt's Letter. — General Meeting. — The Convention be- 
tween Sixteen of our People and Sixteen Prominent Baptists, 
in Richmond. 

I wrote Bro. Wm. Clemmitt, of Richmond, to procure 
me the history of the Doctor's connection with the church 
there. In answer, I received the following: : 

" Dr. Hopson must have come to this city the latter part of 
1862, or early in 1863. My first knowledge of him was his preach- 
ing for the church of Bowling Green, in Caroline county, and of 
his holding a very successful meeting here the fall of 1863, in 
which he had thirty-five additions. He was called to the Rich- 
mond church in May or the early part of June, 1865. We had a 
membership of between three and four hundred when he took 
charge of the church. 

"The first general meeting of our brotherhood, or State 
meeting, after he came, was held at Louisa C. H., in the fall of 
1867. At that meeting the Doctor ofiered a resolution looking to 
the division of that organization into two bodies — the Piedmont 
and Tidewater district co-operations — which was done. At the 
same meeting a movement was made to revive the State paper, 
and Dr. Hopson and Bro. John G. Parrish were authorized and 
requested to take charge as editors of this paper. The Christian 
Examiner. The first number was issued in January, 1868. 

" The first authoritative statistical report of the church was 
published in 1867. The membership was then 450, many having 
been added during meetings held by the Doctor. The spring 
meeting, 1868, raised the number to 507; the fall meeting to 524. 
Here the Doctor's connection with us ceased, having been our 
pastor tliree years and three months. He continued as corre- 
sponding editor of the paper the remainder of the year. In my 
judgment (and not mine only) he was the greatest proclaimer of 



170 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

the gospel I ever listened to. If the few surviving co-workers 
with the Doctor while here could be got together, I have no 
doubt many pleasing, interesting and profitable reminiscences 
could be called to mind, but it can not now be done. 

"I can not let this opportunity pass without expressing my 
sympathy for and interest in Dr. Hopson and yourself. I remem- 
ber with pleasure many things of a friendly and brotherly nature 
that passed between Bro. Hopson and myself in business and in 
Christian intercourse, as well as in family friendship and advice. 
I remember that he baptized and married both my daughters. 
You two were the first that came to comfort us in that very, very 
sad affliction, my daughter's death, away off from home in a far 
away land, where we could not even bury our dear one, but had 
to be content with the probabilities that it was properly and 
kindly done. I remember how I was comforted, encouraged, 
confirmed and strengthened by the teaching and preaching of 
Dr. Hopson, and therefore it gives me pleasure to express these 
things to you and thus let you both know you are not forgotten. 

" Many of the older members of the church have passed 
away, and but few of us who managed the church affairs remain, 
and those few are scattered and divided into three churches. I 
find the church records, embracing the years of Bro. Hopson 's 
stay with us, have been lost or laid away among the rubbish of 
some deceased member. These things ought not to be so, yet 
they are. 

" Brethren Cary, Maury, Magruder, Fox, Bowles, Duval, 
Cutler, and many others, join in Christian love to you and all 
yours. Yours, in Christian love, 

" Wm. H. Clemmitt." 

I wrote Bro. Cutler to see if he could furnish me any 
facts in regard to the convention held by the Baptists 
and the ministers of the Christian Church wliile the 
Doctor was in Richmond. There were sixteen of the 
representative men of each church, who met to discuss 
the differences between their respective churches. Elders 
Burroughs, Broadus, Taylor, Jeter, Poindexter, were 
prominent among the Baptists, while Wm. K. Pendleton, 
of Bethany College, Bro. James Goss and Dr. Hopson 



LIFE OF DR. W. II. HOPSON. 171 

are mentioned as representing the Christian Church ; be- 
sides these were Brethren Shclburn, Henley, Ainslie^ 
Duval, Crenshaw, Walthal, et al. 

Bro. Cutler writes, April 5, 1887 : 

"Your letter of ]March olst reached me Saturday. In re- 
sponse to your inquiries, I send you a copy of my tract, ' Differ- 
ences between Baptists and Disciples.' You will find on the 
eleventh page a notice of Dr. Hopson, where he is calling the at- 
tention of the convention to the object of the meeting, and where 
he says: 'Mr. President, you invited us here for a friendly talk 
with reference to union. We both belong to the great family of 
immersionists. We both baptize the same character. We differ, 
not in regard to what God does, nor to what the sinner must do. 
We both teach that men must believe, repent and be baptized. 
We differ as to the time when God passes an executive act in 
his own mind. Will you take the responsibility of saying, that 
while we have invited these people to meet us in friendly, social 
talk with reference to union, and though we agree in nearly all 
of the eighteen articles submitted, we will not have church fel- 
lowship with them?' 

" Mr. John Hart (Baptist) arose and said : ' We do not agree 
with Dr. Hopson, that we both baptize the same character. You 
baptize the penitent believer ; we baptize the penitent, pardoned 
justified believer. It is time for Bro. Goss's question to be an- 
swered. As for myself and church, we are not willing to have 
church fellowship with them so long as these differences exist.' 

" Bro. Goss then said : 'Mr. President, Bro. Hart has fairly 
and justly stated the difference between us on this question. We 
both baptize the penitent believer. Here we begin to differ. 
We baptize the penitent believer. You baptize the penitent 
pardoned, justified believer. But there is a practical difference. 
I beg leave to illustrate: A young man comes to you, sir, and 
tells you that he believes in Jesus and rejients of his sins, but that 
he has no assurance of pardon. He remembers that Jesus said, 
" He thatbelieveth, and is baptized, shall be saved," and he wishes 
you to baptize him, that he may claim the promise. You, sir, 
can not baptize him. He comes to me, tells me that he believes 
in Jesus, and wishes to put himself under Christ's government 
and care. I say to him, " Arise, and be baptized, and wash away 



172 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

thy siris." ' He took his seat. Silence reigned a moment. To this 
speech there was no reply ; ihere could be none. All felt its 
power. The convention adjourned." 

The tract of Bro. L. A. Cutler ought to be in the 
hands of every member of the Christian Church, as well 
as of tlie Baptist, so that they can see the real difference 
between the two churches, as clearly stated by represent- 
ative men from both sides. It is five cents a copy, and 
can be had of Bro. L. A. Cutler, Richmond, Va. 

Between Dr. Burroughs and Dr. Hopson there ex- 
isted the most fraternal relations during the whole of our 
sojourn in the city. 



CHAPTER XXX 

Letter from Bro. J. A. Gano. 

The brethren in Kentucky were constantly inviting 
him to return and visit tliem. He decided to do so the 
summer of 1866. We left Richmond some time in June, 
I think, accompanied by Miss Mary Chockly and our 
daughter Sadie, who had finished school. Bro. Gano 
was given the disposition of the Doctor's time, and of 
course old Union came in among the first, and I am in- 
debted to Bro. Gano for the history of the visit to Ken- 
tucky : 

" Centerville, Ky., May 4, 1886. 

" My Dear Sister Hopson: — Since the reception of yours of the 
27th ult. I have been indisposed, but I am, through mercy, better 
to-day, and proceed to write some of the reminiscences of my as- 
sociation with Dr. W. H. Hopson in by-gone days. I first met him 
in Georgetown, in the fall of 1849. I have a vivid memory of him 
as he then appeared in his early manhood, being then twenty- six 
years of age. He was erect, tall and spare, and of commanding 
presence. 

" From his first to his last visit here, by his clear presentation 
of divine truth, his close adherence to the word of God, and his 
great power as a pulpit orator, he has always obtained a good 
hearing, fixed attention, and ready access to the hearts and con- 
sciences of the people. Prior to the beginning of the Civil "War, 
we were associated in several delightful and successful meetings 
in this part of Kentucky ; but when the war came on it made 
havoc with much good social and Christian feeling. We were in 
the midst of an interesting meeting at Old Union, Fayette county, 
conducted by Bro. Hopson, in July, 1862, Bro. Thomas Allen, of 
Missouri, being with us. when Gen. John H. Morgan with his 



174 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

force, in advance of the Southern troops, came into Kentucky, 
and some of the soldiers to our neighborhood ; this at once put 
an end to our meeting. Soon after tlie Doctor, for his Soutliern 
sympatliy, was arrested, imf)risoned and taken from us. 

" Wlien the terrible war was over, and the Doctor was once 
more in our midst, restored in health, to the church, and to society, 
the desire to see, and to greet and to hear him everywhere was in- 
tense. I will here copy a few lines from my diary of June 29, 
1866. 

" ' I met Bro. Hopson, and other preachers, at Midway. 
About noon we repaired to the church, and witnessed the exam- 
ination of the Orphan School girls; this continued until 2 p. m. 
After this we had dinner on the ground, nicely prepared and 
served by the ladies of the neighborhood. A large concourse of 
people had assembled. As soon as dinner was over. Dr. Hopson, 
standing in front of the building, addressed the crowd for near 
an hour. He extended congratulations to his Kentucky friends 
on meeting them again ; then, pleading the cause of the orphans, 
exhorted all to do good to such. Soon after the discourse Bro. 
Hopson and I, taking leave of our friends, drove home in my 
rockaway. Coming through Georgetown, we found Mr. Conn, 
my wife, Capt. John Conn, my two sons, Frank and John, Jr., 
awaiting us, to gather round and greet the Doctor, and give him a 
cordial welcome back. 

" Sunday, July 1st, about 9 a. m., we all set out for meeting 
at Old Union. The people in great numbers were hurrying on 
to hear Bro. Hopson. By 11 a. m. a vast crowd had assembled. 
An awning had been stretched from the house back to the trees, 
and under this seats had been placed for those who could find no 
room in the house. The large pulpit window was taken out, so 
that the speaker could half face those in the house or the crowd 
outside. It was estimated that from two thousand to tw nty-tive 
hundred were present. 

" After singing and prayer, the Doctor discoursed on ' Sober- 
ness, Righteousness and Godliness.' At the close of the sermon 
my son Richard and \^fe, and John, Jr., took membership. 

"The dinner, an ample repast prepared by the ladies, was 
partaken of by the crowd upon the ground. Ample table-room 
had been provided. 

"After an hour's intermission for dinner, we assembled 
again for worship. Dr. Hopson then addressed us on ' Justifica- 



LIFE OF DR. W, H. HOPSON. 175 

tion by Faith.' At the end of the discourse Miss Boone came 
forward and made the good confession. We had quite a number 
at our house to take supper with Bro. H. In tliis order the meet- 
ing continued from day to day for nine days, Bro. H. speaking 
twice each day. 

" The second Lord's day my son, R. M. Gano, was ordained 
to the ministry with fasting and prayer. I immersed the converts 
before the morning service. We liad sixteen added by baptism, 
among them was my son-in-law, John W. Buckner. Old Bro. 
Samuel Rogers was with us part of tiie meeting. 

" I was next with Bro. Hopson at his meeting in Georgetown, 
Sunday, July 15th. By 11 a. m. the house, a large one, was filled 
to overflowing, and hundreds could gain no admittance. Many 
preachers were in the crowd to hear Bro. H. Thus he went from 
one congregation to another. Berea, in Fayette county ; Old Cane 
Ridge, in Bourbon ; Newton, in Scott, and at other points visited 
by Bro H., crowds flocked to hear him. It was indeed like one 
vast ovation. Laboring for days at most of the places visited, his 
preaching and exhortation were rewarded by great success in 
winning souls to Christ. Eternity alone can reveal the vast 
amount of good achieved by these excessive labors." 

Bro. Gano's generosity did not stop with words nor with 
most liberal hospitality. He had given the Doctor a fine 
calf before the war, just before his arrest. Bro. G. raised 
the calf, sold it, and compelled the Doctor to take the $100 
it brought. He did this besides contributing liberally 
towards the expenses of the meeting. His friendship has 
ever been a precious boon to us. He is now in his eighty- 
second year. May God long spare him to the world, 
where he is still so useful. Sister Gano, one of the lov- 
liest characters I ever knew, is still spared to him, and is 
five years his. junior. It is a pity for the world that such 
people should ever die. It was with difficulty the Doctor 
could tear himself away from his old friends, who were 
urging him to return to Kentucky. 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

Return to Richmond. — Our Family all Together.— Our Daughter's 
Marriage to R. L. Cave. — Covington Meeting. — Bro. Lape's 
Letter. — Call to Louisville.— Acceptance. — Motives Actuating 
Him. — Life in Lexington. — Removal. — Raises Money to Fin- 
ish Church. — Wm. C.Dawson. — T. P. Haley. — Mission Work. 

After two months' delightful but arduous work, we 
returned to Virginia, and found as warm a welcome as 
we had received in our old home. From the time of the 
Doctor's return he labored wuth renewed zeal for the 
church, and met with success and encouragement. 

We now had a delightful family circle — father, 
mother, Sadie, Mr. Cave, Dr. Jenifer Garnet, the Doctor 
and myself — all members of the church. The following 
year Mr. C. decided he would like to become a mem- 
ber of our family, and the 16th of May, 1867, he was 
married to our daughter at Old Sycamore Church ; by 
Dr. Hopson himself, at her earnest solicitation. 

In the spring of 1868 he held a meeting for the 
church in Covington, Ky. Bro. P. B. Wiles was pastor 
of the church at that time. He and Dr. Hopson had 
long been warm friends, though Bro. W. was several 
years his junior. In answer to some questions in regard 
to the meeting, I received the following from Bro. Lape : 

" Newport, Ky., Dec. 8th, 1886. 
"3/2/ Dear Sister: — Your favor of the 4th inst. at hand, rela- 
tive to the meeting held in Covington, Ky., in the year 1868, at 
the Fifth Street Christian Church, by Bro. Hopson. In reply I 

176 



LIFE OF DR. AV. H. HOPSON. 177 

say, Bro. D. R. Van Buskirk was holding a meeting for the breth- 
ren at that place. Bro. V. having suddenly taken very ill, was 
compelled to return home. Bro. P. B. Wiles, pastor, called and 
informed me of the fact, and wished to know whom I would sug- 
gest as a person who could hold our audiences and continue the 
meeting. He said he knew of but one man. I remarked, that 
was Dr. Hopson. He responded, ' That is the man.' I asked 
him if he wished the Doctor to come. ' Yes,' said he ; but being 
engaged in Richmond, Va., and a long way off, it was a question 
whether or not he would come. I wrote out a dispatch and sent 
it, and before dark the answer came: ' 2). v., Mrs. Hopson and 
I will be in Covington Lord's day morning.' The Doctor was on 
time, and preached at 11 a. m. and at night, and continued, if my 
memory be correct, about two weeks. I sat in the gallery and 
had a good opportunity of judging the effect his sermons had 
upon his audience. Never in all my life, since the days Bro. 
Challen preached in the ' old cooper shop,' in 'an upper room,' at 
the corner of Vine and Columbia streets, Cincinnati, (when I was 
a boy about three feet high), have I seen such profound attention 
as was given by his hearers. It seemed the people sat with ears, 
eyes and mouths open to hear the Doctor's clarion voice proclaim 
the gospel of Jesus Christ. If I recollect, some thirty persons 
were gathered into the kingdom and patience of Jesus, and I will 
say further that that meeting gave an impetus to the six members 
living in Newport, and that not a long while after, the brethren 
built a house, and have ever since employed a preacher. 
" Your Brother in Christ, 

"Wm. H. Lape." 

We returned to Richmond the last of March, as soon 
as the meeting closed. The Doctor had numerous invi- 
tations to remain in Kentucky and hold meetings, but 
had to refuse. 

On our arrival at home, the first news that greeted 
us was that a new member had been added to our house- 
hold in the person of a grandson — Winthrop Hopson 
Cave. Mathematics can not furnish figures enough to 
compute the height of the Doctor's delight. He was 
like a child who has just come in possession of a 



178 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

long-coveted treasure, and though eight more have since 
been added to the family jewels, I do not think any have 
ever been so precious as that first one. 

Soon after his return to Richmond he received a call 
from the Fourth and Walnut Street Christian Church, of 
Louisville, Ky. He at first declined the call on account 
of an opposing element in the church — a very small 
minority of, I think, forty, all told, out of the five or six 
hundred members. Subsequent correspondence devel- 
oped the fact that it was solely on account of politics. 
When he learned this to be the case, he accepted the call, 
and made arrangements to go to Louisville in Septem- 
ber. He said the war was over ; he had as much to for- 
get and forgive as any one, and that he did not have in 
his heart a feeling of enmity toward one human being. 
He felt confident that he could overcome any prejudice 
growing out of his conduct during the war. His opinion 
proved correct, for we found no better friends than those 
afterward became, who voted against his coming. Some 
of them wished to talk the matter over with him and 
make explanations, but he told them to endeavor to for- 
get it all, as he had, for he had not the least unkind feel- 
ing in his heart towards them ; and he told the truth, for 
it was entirely foreign to his nature to harbor malice. 
They were most excellent people and their love was 
worth winning, and we recall with pleasure the many 
acts of kindness they showed us while we had the hap- 
piness to live among them. 

The Doctor was fortunate in obtaining Mr. Cave's 
consent to accompany us to Kentucky. I do not know 
that he could have been prevailed upon to have left little 
Winthrop, even if he could the rest of the family. 
There was mother, the Doctor, Sadie and baby — four 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. IIOPSOX. 179 

generations. They must not be separated, if possi- 
ble. 

One motive that actuated Dr. Hopson in accepting 
the call to Louisville was, that he might be able to have 
the society ot" his brother preachers sometimes. In Ricli- 
moud he was very much isolated. Occasionally Bro. 
R. Y. Henley, Dr, Duval, Bro. Cutler (then a young and 
promising speaker), and Bro. Walthal would call a few 
minutes on him, })erliaps once or twice a year. Bro. 
Shelburn was our only regular visitor, and how the Doc- 
tor did enjoy his visits ! Bro. Abel left Virginia soon, 
so that he saw but little of him. After Bro. Parrish 
and Dr. H. began to publish the Christian Exam- 
iner, the Doctor saw more of him, but still there was 
from necessity a lack of social intercourse among the 
preachers. 

During our life in Lexington he could go out on the 
street any Monday or Saturday, and he would find 
Brethren Raines, Ricketts, Pinkerton, S. Rogers, Ar- 
nold, John I. Rogers, John Smith ; and once a month, 
on court Mondays, brethren Gano, Bronson, Brooks, 
and McGinn were almost sure to be seen in the city. 
The Doctor used often to say, it was like an elixir to him 
to grasp the hand of a brother who knew and understood 
tlie trials of a preacher's life and could sympathize with 
Idm. 

Notwithstanding the attractions in our old Kentucky 
home, it was with reluctance we left the tried and true 
friends we had made in Virginia, and many tearful and 
sad farewells were spoken by the many who followed 
us to the depot. We left Virginia after a residence of 
five years and four months, three years and three months 
l)eing spent with the Richmond Church. 



180 LIFE OF DR. AV. H. HOPSON. 

When we arrived in Louisville we were not strangers, 
the Doctor having held a meeting of weeks there, in 1860, 
for the Hancock Street Church, which congregation was 
now worshiping at the corner of Chestnut and Floyd 
Streets. Very many of the members of the Fourth and 
Walnut Street Church had attended the meeting ; thus 
we were familiar with the members of both churches, 
and at home in either. 

The Doctor found the church in a good condition, 
and ready to cooperate with him in every good work. 
Bro. Thomas Arnold, of Frankfort, had preceded him, 
and made a good impression both in and out of the 
church. His leaving Louisville was not on account of 
any dissatisfaction, but simply because he did not like 
city life, and his family were unwilling to leave their 
beautiful country home for the dust and heat of the me- 
tropolis. 

Cine great drawback was the unfinished condition of 
the church building. The windows were boarded up, no 
steps in front, the upper part a grand pigeon roost. The 
members had been worsliiping in the basement for years. 
The Doctor's first work was to finish the house. The 
architect was consulted, and said that twenty-three or four 
thousand dollars would be ample. The Doctor told the 
church it must be raised at once. It was a large sum of 
money to be given by a church that had already contrib- 
uated so largely, but in a few weeks he had twenty-seven 
thousand subscribed, and inside of a year it was ready 
for occupancy ; but it took ten thousand more to finish it 
than the architect calculated. This amount he would not 
attempt to raise — it was borrowed ; the debt was funded 
and paid afterward. 

The Doctor was fortunate in having an efficient corps 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 181 

of officers in the church. His deacons were all men of 
good business sense, and the financial affiiirs ran smoothly. 
The Louisville Church spent more money on the poor 
fund than any church we ever lived in — house rent, coal 
and clothing was between $900 and $1,000. One year 
the church paid $400 for funeral expenses for its poor. 
Dr. Hopson always urged the church to take care of its 
worthy poor. If they were unworthy, exclude them, and 
not have the double disgrace of keeping bad people in 
the church and neglecting them. 

Bro. Wni. C. Dawson was preaching for the Floyd and 
Chestnut Streets Church when we located in Louisville. 
He was in the transitional state between the Christian 
Cliurch and the Episcopal. The idea that we were not 
under law as advocated by some of our teachers had 
taken firm possession of his mind, and he reasoned that 
God gave definite and specific laws at Mt. Sinai to govern 
the Jewish nation, his chosen people ; but as he had not 
said, " Thou shalt,'' and " Thou shalt not," under the 
Christian dispensation, therefore the church was left to de- 
vise the best ways and means to govern herself, and every 
man became a law unto himself. In vain his uncle, Dr. 
T. S. Bell, and Dr. Hopson argued with him and siiowed 
him that " where there is no law there is no sin," for "sin 
is the transgression of law," and that God did not leave 
his last and crowning dispensation without laws to govern 
it. In the commission given in Matt, xxviii. 20 Christ 
said to his apostles, " Teaching them to observe all things 
whatsoever I have commanded you." A command is 
the expressed will of God, and becomes a law without 
the " Thou shalt " or " Thou shalt not." I. John iii. 23, 
"This is his commandment, That we believe." Acts 
xvii. 30, "The times of this ignorance God winked at; 



182 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSOX. 

but now coramandeth all men everywhere to repent.'^ 
Acts X. 48, " And he commanded them to be baptized in 
the name of the Lord Jesus/' or by his authority. These 
were certainly commandments as l)inding and as distinctly 
embodyiny: law as any in the Decalogue. If these three 
were binding upon raan,Avere not the hundreds of others 
given by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit through the 
the apostles in the Bible ? 

In spite of reason and revelation, he took the step 
which severed his connection with the church of his 
fathers, and bent him into undeserved obscurity. It was 
a source of deep sorrow to the Doctor, for he was very 
much attached to him. 

Bro. T. P. Haley succeeded Bro. Dawson in the Floyd 
Street Church, and in him the Doctor found an earnest 
co-worker. There was perfect harmony between the 
churches, and they worked together as one, in building 
up the cause in Louisville. Brethren O. P. Miller, Owen> 
Baker, Miller, Crump, Snyder, et al., were always ready 
to cooperate with the Doctor. As soon as the church 
was completed, he turned his attention to the planting 
of a mission church on Fifteenth and Jefferson Streets. 
With the assistance of his own congregation and the 
above-named, they soon had a neat little building ready 
to worship in, and a few months later Bro. James Keith 
was placed in charge, and in a few years he and the 
brethren associated with him built up a good congrega- 
tion. By this mission. Fourth and Walnut lost several 
excellent members who lived in the vicinity of the new 
church. 

By this time the spirit of missions had obtained full 
possession of our people in the city, and Floyd street made 
preparations to swarm. A location was selected in the 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 183 

upper part of the city, a hall secured, and Brethren Rubel 
and Baker began to gather the nucleus of another congre- 
gation, which has become a flourishing church. 

I would not have any one suppose that I am intima- 
ting that Dr. Hopson was the sole instigator of the re- 
ligious " boom " in the Christian Church in Louisville, 
but I mean to say he took a very deep interest in every 
movement made to build up the cause of Christ, and was 
always ready in every way to meet every demand made 
upon him. 



CHAPTER XXXII. 

Bible School for Colored Young Men. — Interest in Colored 
Church. — Encouragement. — Substantial Aid. — Three Letters 
from Students of the School. 

Dr. Hopson felt a deep concern in the future of the 
colored race. He felt that some steps ought to be taken 
to educate a ministry of their own color to go among 
them and preach the gospel as taught by our brethren. 
He determined to inaugurate a Bible school to be taught 
in Louisville. 

He met with considerable opposition and not much 
encouragement. There was no house for the school to 
meet in ; there was no place for the pupils to board, and, 
if there had been, they had no money to pay with, and 
where would the school procure a teacher? All these 
objeetions were urged. 

A good many of the brethren gave to the work be- 
cause they would give to any work that the Doctor urged 
upon them, but with little faith in the result. By Sep- 
tember the school room and church were ready and a 
teacher procured — Bro. C. H. Moss. The brethren had 
secured homes for as many as had made application. Th^ 
school opened with twenty-one or twenty-two. We took 
one, and he proved a faithful servant. They all were 
more than willing to work for their board, so anxious 
were they to gain an education. Dr. Hopson visited the 
school two or three times a week until they were fully 
under way with their studies. 

184 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 185 

He presented their claims to the Missionary Board at 
Indianapolis the following October, and they promised and 
gave some assistance in the way of paying teacher and 
furnishing books. Brethren Haley, Gait Miller, Dr. H. 
and others would frequently preach for the colored 
church which grew up rapidly around them. 

I will here insert three letters — one from Bro. Julius 
Graves, preaching in Paris; one from H. S. Berry, and 
one from Preston Taylor. 

" Paris, Ky., May 26, 1886. 
" Mrs. Ella L. Hopson : 

" Dear Sister : — It seems to me that an attempt to give a his- 
tory of Dr. Hopson's life would be incomplete without a chapter 
devoted to that cause which he always took so much pleasure in ; 
namely, the welfare of the colored people, and especially the 
preaching of the gospel of Christ among them. Therefore I write 
this letter without any attempt at eulogistic painting, but simply 
as acquaintance and thankfulness dictate. 

" It was in the pleasant month of September, 1873, that I 
arrived in the city of Louisville, Ky., to attend the Bible School 
opened by the General Missionary Board for the education of 
worthy and energetic colored men to preach and teach among 
their own people. Dr. Hopson was chairman of the committee 
that operated and controlled ihe above-named school. My name 
was the first enrolled on the school register as a student of the 
Bible School. 

" On landing in the city among strangers, having been pre- 
viously directed, I at once sought the residence of Bro. J. D. 
Smith, who was at that time pastor of the colored church. I re- 
mained with him all night, and the next morning, in company 
with several other young men, all intended students, we sought 
the offi-ce of Dr. Hopson, and found him seated in his library hard 
at work. A rap at the door had the welcome response, ' Come in, 
young brethren.' 

■' When all were seated, then began the planning for our 
homes and comfort while we were to attend school. We were 
almost without money, there not being more than ten dollars 
among us a\\, thus making us almost entirely dependent upon 



186 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

Dr. Hopson. He set about getting us homes among the people 
of Louisville. A few efforts soon secured us homes, where we 
worked nights and mornings, Saturdays and Sundays too, with 
few exceptions, to pay for our board and lodging. 

"Tlie school opened, with Prof. C. H. Moss as teacher. Dr. 
Hopson never ceased to appeal to the people in behalf of the 
Colored Bible School. It is said, 'The evil that men do lives 
after tliera, the good is often interred with their bones.' The in- 
terest manifested by Dr. H. toward the colored people, and the 
good done by him, can never be forgotten. To-day the pulpits of 
Baltimore, Indianapolis, Montgomery, Jacksonville, Mt. Sterling, 
Carlisle, Millersburg, Louisville. Paris, Xenia, and many others, 
are filled with men educated at the Louisville Bible School. In 
fact, I know but few successful preachers in the Christian Church 
who did not get their training in this school. 

" There are none of us that know the Doctor as well as I do, 
for I lived with him during my entire stay in tlje school, and it 
was in his house I heard the Lord praised daily, and for the first 
time in my life I witnessed family worship, althouyh I was eigh- 
teen years old. 

" I never visit Louisville but that I take a walk on Seventh 
Street, and it is with keen pleasure I look up at 155, for God 
knows it is a dear spot to me. 

"While I write, my heart swells with emotion and thankful- 
ness to God for having given the world this great and good man — 
Dr. Hopson. I can not close this letter without saying that his 
wife united wholly with him in his efi"orts to help the students. 
No one ever went to their door for food or aid but that they re- 
ceived it, even though it cost a sacrifice for them to give it. 

" May God's blessing rest upon the Doctor and his wife while 
they live, and may all the boys — students— meet them in Paradise. 
" I am truly yours, J. C. Graves." 

" MiLLERSBUEG, Ky., Dec. 9, 1886. 
" Mrs. E. L. Hopson : 

" My Dear Madam : — Nothing could give me more pleasure 
than a compliance with the request expressed in your letter. An 
expression on the part of a student of the Louisville Bible 
School of the high esteem in which the great man whose life 
you are now writing was held by the students, requires no studied 
diction, but flows naturally forth from an appreciative heart. I 



LIFE OF DR. AV. II. HOPSON. 187 

feel assured that every student will acquiesce in the statements 
herein made. 

" He was respected because his manly bearing demanded it; 
he was honored because he labored to establish a medium through 
which the blessings of that God, and the love of that Christ that 
had touched his heart, might touch the hearts of a down-trodden 
and long-oppressed people ; he was loved because he was good 
and great in noble deeds, and tlie book we all should love teaches 
us to be 'lovers of good men.' 

" He saw the need of an educated ministry to rescue the race 
from a religious Babylon ; hence liis earnest efforts to attain that 
end. Even in securing homes for the young men none did more 
than he, and few as much. His great physique was foremost in 
the van; his great mind led in counsel, and his great heart was 
aglow with zeal to preach the gospel to the poor. He assisted in 
sowing seeds that have grown to great trees, and the birds are rest- 
ing in the boughs thereof. 

" Painful will it be to all our hearts to learn the sad news that 
Time is touching him heavily. God grant tliat the days that yet" 
remain may catch copious gleams of pleasure from the path of 
past usefulness, and more still from the promised home above. 
The tenderest sympathies of my poor heart are with you both, 
an my prayers are that the sands that are now passing the glass 
may be sands of gold, while time binds your hearts closer to the 
eternal shore. 

" With deep sympathy, I am 

" Very Respectfully Yours, 

" H. S. Berry." 

Bro. Preston Taylor, another Bible student of the 
Louisville school, sends me the following tribute to the 
Doctor : 

" Nashville, Tenn., April I, 1887. 
'< Mrs. W. H. HopsoN : 

" Dear Madam : — Having understood you are writing the his- 
tory of your noble husband's life, I would feel derelict in duty 
did I not offer my congratulations on your undertaking, though I 
am persuaded you nor any other author can do such a character 
justice. No one can know the result of his life-work until it is 
unfolded to us in the great hereafter. 



188 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

" His kind words, noble deeds and good works, both private 
and public, are written on thousands of hearts ; some of them are 
witnesses before the throne of God, while others are still here. 
He has distinguished himself as an orator, minister, writer and 
counselor. This world has given us few men his equal in all that 
goes to make up a great worker for the good of his fellow-men. 
He is humane in the broadest sense. He is not bound in his 
sympathy by race, color or condition ; but wherever the commis- 
sion of Jesus pointed him, he went and has always done his 
whole duty. 

"While pastor of the Fourth and Walnut Street Church, in 
Louisville, he secured a minister for the colored people, fitted up 
a hall, and had the work begun among them; and as soon as a 
good congregation had been organized, he had a lot bought and 
agood, substantial brick edific • built on it for them. And through 
his timely act we have a large congregation in that city now ; and 
when a Bible School was opened, largely through his influence, 
for the benefit of the colored young men of our church to study 
for the ministry, he secured homes for them (taking one in his 
own family), where they could secure board and lodging for their 
work while attending school. 

" He has been one of the strong men of the Reformation, and 
his great powers have been used to bring many, many thousands 
to acknowledge the power of the cross. 

" His untimely affliction is mourned by the whole brother- 
hood, and their prayers of sympathy ascend to the Giver of all 
good in his behalf. 

" He is my father in the gospel, and a large share of my suc- 
cess in the ministry is due to him. His advice and counsel have 
always been freely given. 

" A rich reward awaits him in the kingdom of God, and many 
will be the stars in his crown of glory. 

" Very Respectfully, 

" Preston Taylor." 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 

Bro. Grubbs' Letter. — House Full of Boarders. — Aunt Mima. — 
Bought a Home. — Last Payment on Missouri Debt. — Preach- 
ers' Wives. — Dr. Hopson a Good Financier. — His Desire for 
Rest. — His Resignation. — Press Notice. 

I will here insert a letter from Bro. I. B. Grubbs, as 
it refers particularly to his work in Louisville: 

" Lexington, Ky., Jan. 3, 1887. 

" Dear Sister Hopson : — Herewith I enclose my estimate of the 
character of Bro. Hopson. You will read it as the sincere out- 
pourings of my heart. Please read it to hira. I want him to 
know the estimation in which he has ever been held by me. 
Dr. Wintiirop H. Hopson. 

" It was in 1860 that I first saw that noble man of God. He 
was standing in the pulpit in old Hancock St. Church, in Louis- 
ville, in the midst of a most interesting protracted meeting. 

" It was not long after his Cincinnati meeting, in which that 
great city was profoundly agitated by his might as a preacher. 
My interest in him, therefore, was intensified as I beheld for the 
first time his manly form and felt the power of his enchaining 
eloquence. Those who knew and heard Dr. Hopson in the days 
of his undiminished strength and full splendor of his ministerial 
gifts, can never forget his leonine appearance, his imposing 
presence, his personal magnetism, and his wonderful power in 
the pulpit over the immense audiences that gathered to hear his 
discourses. On arising before them his verj' attitude and manner 
inspired all with the conviction that a rich feast of soul was in 
store for them — and in this expectation they were not disap- 
pointed. Very few men have been blessed with such a felicitous 
combination of personal graces and advantages and intellectual 
endowments as Winthrop H. Hopson. The majesty of a splendid 
physique never fails to augment and emphasize the power of 
mind. 



190 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

" If I am asked what I regard as the special feature in which 
the ministerial excellence of Dr. Hopson was manifested, my an- 
swer would be, in his matchless power of expression, the varying 
charms and well sustained force of his diction, combined with 
the wonderful clearness with which he stated his positions and 
set forth his reasons to support them. 

"No one ever complained of vagueness or indistinctness of 
meaning in any sermon of Dr. Hopson's. His hearers might be 
borne along upon the resistless tide of his eloquence, but they 
failed not to receive edificaticni from the simplicity of treatment 
and lucid method of presentation in the discussion of his theme. 

" His was pre-eminently the power of the true orator, whose 
function it is both to convince and to persuade. Such was Dr. 
Hopson before the insidious influence of disease invaded his 
system, and by its stealthy progress undermined his physical 
strength and mental condition. 

" But as greatly as I appreciated the personal and intellect- 
ual gifts with which Dr. Hopson was endowed, there was that in 
him which called forth my admiiation in a yet higher degree. I 
speak now of his large heartedness, his breadth of soul, the un- 
surpassed generosity and unselfishness of his disposition. With 
a keen appreciation of the merits of others, he made reference to 
their just deserts without stint of expression. 

" Friendship was no mere word upon his lips or mere senti- 
ment in his heart. When he could confer a favor, he would do 
so with all his heart, even at the expense of self-sacrifice or great 
inconvenience. This testimony to his moral excellency is not 
grounded on superficial acquaintance, but on closeness of associ- 
ation in personal friendship and ministerial work. During a 
part of the period of his protracted ministry in Louisville, serv- 
ing the large and influential Christian congregation at the corner 
of Fourth and Walnut streets, it was my good fortune to labor 
for another congregation in that city, and thus to be brought into 
intimate relations with this good and gifted man It was a con- 
stant source of pleasure to me to enjoy his society, his good 
counsel and co-operation in the advocacy and defense of the 
great cause which lay very near to our hearts. I thus learned to 
know and appreciate the moral worth as well as the intellectual 
power of Dr. Hopson, and to love on account of the goodness 
most clearly discerned by those who stood in the closest connec- 
tion with him. 



LIFE OF DR. W. II. HOPSON, 191 

" As might be supposed, ;> man of the description just given 
would prove true in iiis devotion to the Chri«tiiin religion. Of 
this we speak last, for this, indeed, was the most admirable trait 
of Dr. Hopson's character. Unswerving in conviction as to the 
truth wliich he advocated and loved with all his great soul, he 
was uncompromising in its maintenance and preservation in all 
its integrity, simplicity and purity. 

"The faith of his own heart in the perfect adaptation of the 
religion of the New Testament to the wants and condition of the 
present generation, he forcibly urged with a heroic daring and a 
loftiness of spirit that evinced the profound seriousness by wiiich 
he was inspired ; and this earnest faith pertained not merely to 
what are called the elements of the gospel, but to the all-suth- 
ciency of New Testament Christianity as a whole, in all its prac- 
tical l)earings and results. 

" May the cause of Christ find in every age such true and 
earnest advocates as "Winthrop H. Hopson. 

" I. B. Grubbs." 

The love Bro. Grubbs bore Dr. Hopson met with a 
hearty response, and their comnuinion and fellowship 
was perfect. They rested in each other's companionship 
and love, each a mutual support to the other. 

Before the close of the first year in Louisville, Mr. 
Cave had been prevailed upon by the brethren in Lex- 
ington to enter the Bible College to prepare himself fir 
the ministry. This step met the Doctor's hearty ap- 
proval. He has never regretted the encouragement he 
gave him. No father could be prouder of a son, and 
he has proved himself a " workman that needeth not to 
be ashamed." 

After Mr. Cave and family removed to Lexington, I 
proposed to the Doctor that as we had such heavy rent 
to pay, we should take some boarders, which would en- 
able us to save a large portion of his salary towards 
paying his debts. He consented reluctantly, as he was 
always indisposed to have a house full of strangers. We 



192 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

were very fortunate in securing delightful boarders, all 
members of the Christian Church — Sister Pittman and 
her daughter Anna, Brother and Sister F. Spears, and 
old Sister Anderson, wlio was a Miss Lewis, of Virginia, 
and an own niece of Gen. Washington. We did not 
love her so much for the last mentioned fact as for her 
pure and noble Christian life. These, with father and 
mother Fife, the Doctor and myself, made up a very 
happy family. I should have added Aunt Mima, our 
faithful and devoted Christian servant, who left all and 
followed us from Richmond, and who still links her for- 
tunes with ours. Everybody that ever visited our house 
will remember her, and her cheerful attention to guests. 

Early in 1872 he decided to buy a home, on which 
he could pay what he was expending in rent and a little 
more eacli year, until he should own it. He bought a 
comfortable house on Seventh street, and we moved into 
it, taking all our family except Sister Anderson, who 
went to her son's to live. The house and repairs cost 
Dr. Hopson $3,000. January, 1873, he made the last 
payment on his Missouri debts. By the time he had 
paid the debt ot $8,000, the whole expenditure, includ- 
ing the accumulated compound interest during his im- 
prisonment and stay South, when he was unable to pay 
anything, amounted to $22,000. Preachers are generally 
considered poor financiers. I do not believe it. Very 
few that I have known ever had anything to financier 
on. Most of our preachers have just about salary 
enough to keep body and soul together, properly clothed, 
and take care of their usually rapidly increasing progeny, 
and it takes splendid financiering to do it in many in- 
stances. 

One great trouble about preachers is their lack of 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. IIOPSON. 193 

ju(li:;inent in marrying. They frequently secure wives 
who are neither dressmakers, tailors, milliners, shoe- 
makers, nor washerwomen. A preacher's wife should he 
all these, besides being '* wise as serpents and harmless as 
doves." I do not believe there is another position in the 
world a Avoraan is called upon to fill that takes the same 
amount of patience, prudence and discretion as that of a 
preacher's wife, and, so far as my knowledge extends, I 
think our preachers have excellent wives. 

With Dr. Hopson's liberality in church matters, his 
generosity to the poor, and his kindness to those depend- 
ing on him for support, he was the best financier I have 
ever met. All this while he was carrying an insurance 
of $10,000— $5,000 for the benefit of his creditors and 
$5,000 for his family, at an expense of about $300 a 
year for both. The Piedmont and Arlington, of Vir- 
ginia, failed while he was so ill ten years ago, and he 
lost the $1,600 he had paid in premiums. 

He was very happy when the last dollar of that Mis- 
souri debt was paid, and he felt he was a free man. The 
labor and anxiety of the preceding years began to tell 
upon his iron constitution. During much of his pastor- 
ate in Louisville he was associate editor of the Apostolic 
Times, which originated with Brethren Wilkes, Graham, 
Lard, McGarvey and himself. His connection with the 
paper was never of any financial benefit to him, and if 
the co-editors made any money out of it I never heard 
of it. 

During our last year in Louisville the Doctor used 
often to say to me, " Ella, I must rest; I am so tired of 
this hurry and bustle." At length he made up his mind 
to resign the charge of the church and evangelize — take 



194 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

up our old Bohemian life. I copy the following from 

the Courier- Jour nal o^ March 1, 1874: 

"On Sunday last Dr. W. H. Hopson, pastor of the Fourth 
and Walnut Sts. Christian Church of this city, tendered his 
resignation, to take effect the last Lord's day in May. 

"This announcement gave much surprise to his congrega- 
tion, but very few being informed of his intention, and many re- 
grets have been expressed for his taking such a step. Dr. Hop- 
son has been connected with this church six years, and within 
that time has done much for the increase and edification of his 
congregation, and has at all times, by reason of his eminence as 
a divine and his eloquence as a preacher, commanded one of the 
largest audiences in the city. 

" He is known to be, as he deserves to be, one of the foremost 
men in his denomination. Pointed and powerful as a thinker, 
clear and demonstrative as a speaker, he enjoys a reputation 
widespread and enviable. He leaves his congregation in this 
city|in the height of his popularity, as a matter of his own choos- 
ing, preferring for the present to go into the ' general field,' where 
he can enjoy more rest and accomplish, he thinks, as much good. 

" We are glad to learn, however, that Louisville will be his 
home for the most part, so that his friends may still hope to enjoy 
occasionally his influence and teaching." 

It was with great reluctance he took this step, but he 
felt he could no longer bear the strain the care of such a 
large church entailed upon the minister. 

We broke up housekeeping at once, and mother and 
father went to Lexington to stay with Mr. Cave until we 
were once more settled. 

We bade a sorrowful farewell to the beloved friends 
in Louisville (we alone knew how dear they were to us), 
and began our journey towards the setting sun. 

We spent the summer traveling through Missouri, 
visiting many of the churches for which the Doctor had 
held meetings long years before. He enjoyed meeting 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 195 

with his old friends so much, his tour was a perpetual 
feast to him. 

We visited many of our old school-girls, who were 
delighted to see us again. They were all anxious for us 
to build up a school, where they could send their chil- 
dren to us. He told them he was not able to run any 
more risks. 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 

Leave Louisville. — Travel Through Missouri. — Call to St Louis. — 
Social Meetings. — Presidency of Christian University Urged 
upon Him. — Acceptance. — Silver Wedding. — Removal to 
Canton. — Felt Settled for Life.— Bible College and Students. 
— Prospects Promising. — Trip in the Interest of the Univers" 
itv.— His Illness. — Mr. Cave's Arrival and Invaluable Aid. — 
PIis Mother's Death. — His Partial Recovery. — Unable to 
Teach. — Able to Preach. — ^ Returned to Lexington, Ky. — Re- 
laspe. — His Old Church in Palmyra. — His Last Field of 
Labor. — His Patience Under Affliction. 

Before the .summer trfp was over he received a call 
to take charge of the church meeting at the corner of 
Seventeenth and Olive Streets, St. Louis. The brethren 
were very urgent, and, though preferring to evangelize, 
he accepted the invitation. The church was small com- 
pared to the church in Louisville, not numbering half 
the membership, and the work was not so arduous. The 
first six months we boarded with our old friends, John 
G. Allen and wife, formerly of Lexington, where we were 
made very happy. The Doctor then began to long for 
his mother, and we went to housekeeping on Pine Street, 
near the church, where the dear old people could go to 
church night or day. The Doctor sent for them as soon 
as we were settled, and they came, bringing Aunt Mima 
with them, who had been with Sadie since we left Louis- 
ville. January, 1875, found us at home once more. 
Father was especially delighted to be in St. Louis again. 
His only son, Wm. G. Fife, was living there, and he 

196 



LIFE OF DR. \V. H. HOPSON. 197 

himself had so long made it his home it was very pleas- 
ant to be there again. 

We found a warm-hearted and generous brotherhood 
in the church. Brethren Allen, Patterson, Christopher, 
Ellis, Harrison, Verden, Rhorer, Fife, Russell, et al., 
with their good wives, made the church a desirable home 
for a preacher. 

We used to have delightful gatherings there. Most 
of the congregation lived a long distance from the 
church. It was usually so late when the gentlemen re- 
turned from their business that they could not come to 
prayer-meeting. The sewing circle met one afternoon in 
the week, the prayer-meeting one evening, the class for 
singing another. I proposed that we meet Wednesday 
evening for sewing, at 3 p. m. ; all of us take a lunch 
including tea, coffee, cream and sugar, and that at 6 P. M 
we would kindle a fire in the stove in the robing-room 
make our tea and coffee, set our table with the lunches 
provided, and invite the brethren to sup with us instead 
of going home. Then at 7 p. m. everybody would be 
ready to enjoy the prayer-meeting ; we could sing an 
hour after that, and be ready to go home at 9 o'clock. 

The result was just what we anticipated. The gen- 
tlemen were delighted with the arrangement. We had 
full prayer-meetings, good attendance at our sewing circle, 
and saved two trips a week on the street cars, costing 
twenty cents at least each week, and, where there were 
several in the family to attend, from fifty to seventy-five 
cents per week. 

Those who had the privilege of attending those 
meetings will never forget them ; they were seasons of 
intense social as well as religious enjoyment — they were 
feasts for body and soul. 



198 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

One feature of the St. Louis church was especially 
commendable — no stranger entered the house and left it 
without being sought out and introduced. It did not 
matter whether that was a member of the church or not, 
they were made to feel that they were welcome in the 
house of the Lord. 

Our work with this church was one of unalloyed 
pleasure, and the year, 1 hope, was not unprofitable to 
the brethren and sister.-*. I think there were from thirty 
to forty additions during the time. 

Sometime in June Brethren B. H. Smith and Hen- 
derson Davis came down from Canton, Mo., in the inter- 
est of Christian University. They came to see the Doc- 
tor, and spent the night (it was nearly 2 A. M. when they 
left) trying to induce him to consent to become President 
of tliat institution. I never knew him to be as much 
concerned in regard to taking any step before. 

They represented the importance of the work to him 
in such a light, and that there was a crisis in the history 
of the school demanding sacrifice on the part of some 
one, that he hardly felt he could refuse. They told him 
they believed the brethren throughout the State would 
rally to him as to no one else, and plead with him so 
earnestly that he told them he would give them an an- 
swer the following day. When he came to our room he 
told me the proposition made by the brethren, and asked 
me for my advice. I told him I could not advise him to 
accept or refuse ; that the decision was one that would 
affect all our future lives, and I was incapable of offering 
a suggestion on the subject. 

The only point that turned the scale in favor of ac- 
cepting was the good he might accom])lish in training 
young men in the Bible school to go forth and preach 



LIFE OF DR. \V. H. HOPSON. 199 

the gospel to a dyinsj; world. We talked until daylight, 
and then he said, " I will v^o, God willing, and do my 
best." 

Once more the ties that bound us to a devoted and 
noble church had to be sundered. It seemed to me that 
every parting became harder. They were very, very 
kind to us during our sojourn among them, and when we 
left them we carried many tokens of their loving remem- 
brance with us. 

At the earnest solicitation of many friends, we cele- 
brated witii the St. Louis church the twenty-fifth anniver- 
sary of our marriage the 30th day of September, 1875. We 
received many valuable gifts from friends everywhere. 
Our dear old Louisville church sent us an elegant waiter 
and coiFee and tea set, and other articles both beautiful 
and useful. The church in St. Louis supplemented what 
was lacking in spoons, knives and forks. It was a most 
generous gift from generous hearts. 

The following contribution is from the pen of a val- 
ued brother : 

" ' Truth from his lips prevailed with double sway.' 

" The gifted and beloved Samuel A. Kelley had preached for 
the Seventeenth and Olive Street Church, St. Louis, Mo., two 
years. He had tendered his resignation, that he might return to 
Kentucky, the field of his useful labor before his call to St. Louis. 
The church here had passed through trying ordeals before he 
came, and the wounds received during the conflict had not healed. 
Much was accomplished in love and faithfulness by Bro. Kelley 
during his two years' work, yet an anxiety bordering on appre- 
hension for the future was apparent, now the tried and earnest 
servant of peace was about to depart. 

"The membership looked to the officers inquiringly. Who 
Bhall succeed to the pulpit, and minister before the people ? The 
elders and deacons held joint sessions. The matter of vital in- 



200 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

terest to the church was discussed, and the field canvassed. For 
intelligence, business management, and devotion to the cause of 
Christ, few churches were so blessed in their official Board as this 
the first Christian Church of St. Louis. Among its officers at this 
time may be mentioned Dr. H. Christopher, J. G. Allen, J. W. 
Ellis, R. D. Patterson, T. A. Russell, W. G. Fife, Edward Wilker- 
son, and others. 

"The name of Dr. Hopson, who had closed his labors with 
the Walnut Street Christian Church in Louisville, Ky., for the 
purpose of evangelizing, was suggested. The suggestion met 
with universal favor, and the elders at once wrote to the Doctor 
pressing upon him the church's extremity and great need, and 
endeavored to show him that he would serve them as no other 
could. The Doctor's large sympathetic heart never received such 
a call with indifi'erence. Many reasons might be given to show 
the happy choice made by the officers and approved by the 
church — not only approved, but with enthusiasm confirmed. The 
oldest members of the congregation remembered Dr. Hopson 
when he came to St. Louis as a medical student to attend lectures 
preparatory to graduation. He had practiced medicine for some 
years before this time. It was in 1846 and '47 that his efforts first 
began with the church in St. Louis. These early labors were of 
reciprocal advantage to the church and to the young student. 
Later, when Bro. Joseph T. Patton was preaching for the church, 
we find the aspiring young preacher and student again in St. 
Louis attending medical college, reviewing and ready to receive 
his degree. It was during this time that Bro. Patton fell ill, and 
during his long absence from the pulpit Dr. Hopson preached to 
the church, with the positive understanding that full salary 
should be paid to Bro. Patton during his illness. 

" Bro. Jacob Creath, Jr., succeeded Bro. Patton, and it became 
necessary that much of Bro. Creath's time, like that of his pred- 
ecessor, should be filled by another. A like arrangement was 
made as before ; the Doctor would preach for the church, but the 
salary of Bro. Creath should be continued and paid him in full. 
The course of lectures completed, the Doctor received his diploma 
and left for home. 

" The oldest members of the church, I say, remembered Dr. 
W. H. Hopson. They recalled from the past, over an interval of 
more than thirty years, the magnanimity, faithfulness and Chris- 
tian generosity of a brilliant young orator, whose voice was clear. 



LIFE OF DR. W. II. HOPSON, 201 

whose words were burning with logic and love, and whose devo- 
tion and earnestness in a sound faith were unquestioned. In addi- 
tion to all this, his name was familiar to all as a pulpit orator of 
the Church of Christ, as a man of noblest integrity, as a companion 
of peculiar and eminently social qualities, as a neighbor ready to 
respond, even to self-sacrifice, as a friend to all in need. 

•' In view of all these considerations, it may well be conceived 
that now, in 1874, the Doctor was called to this post with a singu- 
lar and enthusiastic unanimity. The call was accepted, and the en- 
gagement began Oct. 1, 1874, to continue for one year, in which 
time it was believed the church would be placed on the highway 
to prosperity. Christian usefulness and love. To show that all 
this was accomplished, one has only to review the results of that 
year's labor with the church. Larger audiences assembled at the 
corner of Seventeenth and Olive than ever before ; many and val- 
uable accessions were made to the membership ; the finances of 
the church were put on a more satisfactory footing than ever be- 
fore. An atmosphere of brotherly feeling, of dignified demeanor, 
gentleness of spirit, confident hope, and intelligent faith, charac- 
terized the whole body. It might be tedious to the reader to go 
through the details of this memorable year, however interesting 
to the writer, who was an officer of the church at this time, and 
so they are passed over with the generalization given, except with 
reference to the occasions thought to be of too much interest to 
omit. 

" Dr. Robert A. Holland, of the Episcopal Church in St. 
Louis, had promulgated views concerning hell and eternal pun- 
ishment which seemed contrary to the expressed words of the 
New Testament. These views were delivered before large audi- 
ences, at St. George's Church, St. Louis, and were making a pro- 
found sensation, if not an injurious impression. Dr. Hopson 
announced, in advance, that he would review these opinions and 
declare the scriptural position concerning them. When the ap- 
pointed time arrived, the church was crowded to its utmost 
capacity with people from all churches, and from various walks 
of life. The Doctor appeared just a little flurried when he read 
his text and began his address. The cause was not known, and 
it created some anxiety on the part of his particular friends. But 
this was only momentary. Soon that noble bearing and charac. 
teristic composure which he uniformly exhibited, plainly told 



202 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

that the ' Old Man Eloquent ' was fully himself, and confident of 
the truth of his cause. 

"If tliere was a slight agitation on the part of the speaker, 
the ground of it is at once seen when the reader is told that when 
the Doctor left his study to enter the audience-room, the former 
was filled with smoke and the church was on fire. This fact was 
known only to the Do tor and the sexton, whom he left to fight 
the fire alone. To give an unnecessary alarm would defeat the 
object in view. The people would rush precipitately from the 
house, and they could not be restored to order soon. Not to do 
so might still prove disastrous if the sexton should fail to subdue 
the blazing fire below. Under the circumstances, most men 
would have been more excited than he was. 

" The fire was subdued by the sexton, and forgotten by the 
speaker; but a fire was kindling in the eye of the orator as he 
rose with his theme. The rep rter in front at times ceased his 
curious writing, and gazed intently and rapt at the speaker. The 
audience leaned forward to gather, not only the spirit of the ut- 
terances, but to catch every intonation and articulation. There 
were passages of power and passages of beauty, of rhetoric and 
of logic ; as when the waters of the great deep lap the shore, their 
harmony delights and charms, although while you look and listen 
you are conscious of the presence of superhuman power — so with 
the gentlest, softest speech, you may discover overmastering 
power in that very gentleness. When that power is presented 
without restraint and unsoftened, everything is swept before it; 
and emotion is swallowed up in a sense of helplessness. There 
was something like this as the speaker reached the climax. A 
painful breathlessness was upon all. The prayer of the speaker 
seemed to possess the hearts of the people — 

" ' That to the height of this great argument 
I may assert eternal Providence, 
And justify the ways of God to man.' 

" From the height to which the audience was carried the de- 
scent was as graceful as it was masterly. The two hours' address 
did not appear half that long. An imperfect report of the speech 
appeared in the next day's Globe- Democrat, and, imperfect as it is> 
it bears marks of a giant's blows. To the credit of Dr. Holland 
be it known, he attempted no reply — none, at least, known to the 
writer. 

"The Doctor's engagement with the church ended the 30th 



LIFE OF DE. W. H. IIOPSON. 203 

day of September, 1875. The Doctor had been unanimously 
elected President of Christian University at Canton, Mo., and 
had accepted the call to that honorable and important position. 
The church in St. Louis must lose his services. The 30tli of Sep- 
tember was his last day with the Olive Street Church. It was also 
the twenty-fifth anniversary of his marriage — his silver wedding 
day. The occasion will never be forgotten by the many friends 
of the Doctor and his wife. 

''The ladies of the church supplemented the elegant silver 
service from the Louisville church, with knives, forks, spoons 
and other beautiful and useful articles needed. J. W. Ellis, one 
of tlie elders before mentioned, delivered an a dress to the happy 
and grateful couple when they entered the parlor; after which 
the company repaired to tlie dining-room, where a sumptuous 
wedding supper was awaiting them. The writer recalls the faces 
of Jobcph Harrison and wife, Dr. Hiram Christopher and wife, 
W. G. Fife and daughter, Julia, his wife, being too ill to come, R. 
C. Weirick and wife, George Khorer and wife (the latter presided 
in the dining-room, as did Mrs. J. G. Allen and Mrs. J. W. Ellis 
in the parlor), Henry Rhorer and wife, Edward Wilkerson ahd 
wife, John Burns and wife, Walter Burns, Robert Stockton and 
wife, Thomas A. Russell and wife, Cyrus Jones and wife. Gen. 
Boyle and wiie, John G. Allen, Dr. McPheeters, of the Missouri 
Medical College, an early friend of the Doctor's. Besides these, 
there were more than one hundred others. The occasion was 
one of the pleasantest in the memory of the church, most of 
whom were present. Friendship and Christian love blended in 
an indissoluble chain of sincere affection. 

"The Chair of the university was awaiting the newly-chosen 
occupant. The time of the scholastic year was passing, and the 
Doctor hurried away to his new field of labor, followed by tlie 
benedictions and prayers of a devoted people. 

"J. W. Ellis, Plattsburg, Mo." 

The following day we left them, and moved to our 
new home at Canton. 

His salary was not as much by $500 as in St. Louis, 
but he thought it would go as far, as living was much 
cheaper. 

He felt now that he was settled for life. An oppor- 



204 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

tunity offered to secure a valuable piece of property for 
a home, on time to suit purchaser. He bought the place 
formerly owned by Dr. Samuel Hatch. It was by far 
the most desirable place for us in Canton. The following 
year the Doctor added two rooms to it, and we soon had 
ten boarders. Our family now numbered seventeen. 

The Doctor entered upon his work with zeal and 
energy ; he loved it, and determined to make it a success. 
He was especially proud of his Bible college, and regarded 
his class of students in that department as very promis- 
ing. He had a corps of young but thoroughly compe- 
tent professors, all eager to do all they could t© build up 
the University. Prof. Carter, the senior professor, was a 
graduate of Bethany College, and subsequently at the 
University of Virginia. He was Professor of Ancient 
and Modern Languages, and a thorough scholar. 

The session of '75 and '76 was promising, considering 
the little time allowed for advertising tlic change of fac- 
ulty in the university. 

The summer of '76 the Doctor spent canvassing the 
State for students. The summer was very hot and dry. 
I accompanied him on his tour ; very often we would 
have water to drink that had been hauled a long distance, 
and had stood in barrels two or three days. The middle 
of July we were both attacked with flux. The Doctor had 
no time to stop for rest and take medicine, but spoke 
nearly every night to a new audience, and traveled every 
day. By the time we arrived at home, the last of Au- 
gust, the disease had become chronic with both of us. 

The week following, the State meeting met in Canton. 
A large number of strangers were present from different 
portions of the State. Dr. H. was busily engaged all the 
time in attending to the interests of the meeting, the en- 



LIFE OF DR. AV. II. HOPSON. 205 

tertainment of tlie guests, and preparation for opening 
the college. Before the close of the meeting the students 
began to arrive, and everything was bustle and confusion. 

When the Doctor felt assured of the success of the 
school, he had written to Mr. Cave, then living in Gor- 
donsville, Va., and obtained his consent to take a posi- 
tion as professor in the Bible school. This was most 
fortunate for the Doctor, as well as for the University. He 
arrived with his family a few days before the session 
opened, and was ready to assist in every way in organiz- 
ing, and carrying out the plans proposed by the Doctor. 
He was in every sense a tower of strength to him. 

Notwithstanding we were both unfit to do anything, 
we were compelled to enter upon the arduous work of 
teaching — the Doctor in the college proper, and I in the 
preparatory department. Father and mother presided 
over our domestic affairs. The Doctor felt that in a few 
weeks, with a little care, he would be entirely restored 
to health. 

With Mr. Cave to assist him in his work, a full 
school, earnest and competent professors, a house full of 
boarders, surrounded by his whole family, he said he had 
all he could ask his heavenly Father for. Instead of his 
health improving, it became worse. The disease was so 
insidious in its progress he did not realize the extent of 
its inroads until he was prostrated in February, 1877. By 
care and good nursing I had fully recovered my health, 
and was now ready to nurse him. For a month his life 
hung by a slender thread. His physicians fought the at- 
tack of the grim monster inch by inch. One of them 
was with him nearly all the time, night and day. All 
that human skill could do was done, and all it could 
avail was to save his life, not restore him to health. But 



206 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

to show what a brave, heroic struggle he made for life 
and health, and how patiently he bore his deep disap- 
pointment in not being able to build up an institution of 
learning worthy our large brotherhood, I would write 
Finis here. Mr. Cave spent every hour he could spare 
from his duties at the college by the Doctor's bedside; 
an own son could not have done more. All night he was 
lying on a couch in the room, and at the slightest move 
on the Doctor's part was beside him; and for four weeks 
I never undressed to retire for the night. But there was 
one there whose great grief overshadowed all — his mother. 
She felt she could not live to lose her boy, her only idol- 
ized one, and night and day she prayed that God would 
take her and spare him. Her prayer was answered. By 
the middle of March the Doctor was able to sit up a little 
while, and pronounced out of immediate danger. Thurs- 
day mother was not well, but staid part of the day in 
the room with him. Friday she spent most of the day 
in bed ; that night she grew worse, and died Saturday 
morning at 10 o'clock — I believe of a broken heart. 
Who can measure the depth of a mother's love for an 
only child? 

The people of Canton were all so kind, but to the 
kind physicians I feel we owe a debt of gratitude we can 
never pay, Drs. Hawkins, Tompkins and Turner, of 
Canton, and Dr. Christy, of Monticello. Bro. Dr. Lucas 
often came in from his country home to stay all night or 
spend a day. May God reward them all, as we never can. 

My niece, Miss Lord, had taken my place in school 
while the Doctor was so ill. She married early in March, 
and I was obliged to resume my duties as teacher. I was 
now compelled to attend to my own housekeeping, and 
how I did miss mother, no one can tell. I had to go up 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSOX. 207 

to the college by 7:30 a. m.; before I left I would cook the 
Doctor's slight breakfast myself, give out dinner and sup- 
per, eat my breakfast, and prej)are lunch for seven board- 
ers who did not come home to dinner. Father remained 
with us until the middle of April, and attended to my 
marketing still ; when he left, it all devolved upon me. 
He felt anxious to spend his last days with his son in St. 
Louis. He only lived a year and a few days after moth- 
er's death. 

A very short time after he left, Prof. Kay, a noble 
young man greatly beloved by us all, left us to go home, 
and to die three months later. He was the eldest son of 
Bro. Wm. Kay, of Louisville. He had several hemor- 
rhages from the lungs before we could persuade him to 
rest. The whole burden of managing the school now 
fell upon Mr. Cave, and he sustained himself with such 
dignity and judgment beyond his years that, upon Dr. 
Hopson's resignation, he was elected President of the 
University. 

The Doctor improved steadily, but slowly, the rest of 
the year; but he felt his work in the school was done. 
By January, 1878, he was able to preach, and the church 
in Lexington called him again to take charge of it. He 
consented, believing the change 'would benefit him. 
And it did ; he improved for several months. He 
purchased the Apostolic Times, his old paper, and he and 
Bro. Cozine continued it more than a year. Still dregs 
of his old disease were in his system, and he determined 
to seek some quiet home where he would have but little 
care and could rest. 

His old church in Palmyra gave him a call. We left 
Lexington for the last time in January, 1880, for our last 
field of labor. We met a warm welcome from our old 



208 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

friends of ante-bellum days, and for a while he seemed 
to rally ; but it was evanescent. In a little over a year 
he was at death's door again. Dr. J. N. Coons was called 
in, and in three months the Doctor was relieved of the 
disease ; but the physician could never give back the 
wasted nerve force, and from that day to this he has been 
steadily growing weaker and weaker. Not a murmur or 
complaint has ever escaped his lips. I have never heard 
him question why he was stricken down in the very 
zenith of his usefulness, when the ripe experience of 
years would have made him invaluable in the councils of 
his brethren; when, as an educator, he could have had a 
mighty influence in molding the minds of the rising 
generation. 

We spent one year with Mr. Cave in Nashville, but 
I thought the climate did not agree with him; and our 
house in Canton being unoccupied, we returned there. I 
was able to secure some boarders, and a small art class ; 
the two supported us very well. The second year I 
taught a private school in the house, still retaining my 
boarders. Before the close of the school the Doctor 
became so feeble I was compelled to dismiss my 
pupils. 

At this time Dr. Ringland, of Riverside Sanitarium, 
opposite Keokuk, Iowa, made me the proposition to ac- 
cept the position of matron of the institution, and for my 
services I was to receive board and treatment for the 
Doctor and myself. I thought there was some hope of 
the treatment doing him good, and as a last resort I ac- 
cepted. He did seem to improve the first four months, 
but his strength began to fail him again, and for the first 
time I gave up all hope of a cure. If the various treat- 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 209 

ments there given could not benefit him, I ihlt sure 
nothing would. 

He wanted to come to his children. I wrote Mr. C, 
and he and Sadie met us in Hannibal, Mo., and from 
there we came to Nashville, where, surrounded bv all he 
loves best, he is waiting for the summons to come up 
higher. 



CHAPTER XXXV. 

Letter from Wiley Mountjoy. — Dr.. Hopson's Life at Home. — In- 
fluence on the Students in his Family. — Servants. — Bro. G. 
A. Hoffman's Letter. — Generous Kindness. — Conscientious- 
ness. — Christ-likeness. — Influence at Home and Abroad as a 
Neighbor, a Minister, a Friend. — His Liberality. 

There is much in the life of Dr. Hopson I have left 
to others to say. Appended the reader will find many pre- 
cious letters from friends, containing much that delicacy 
would forbid me writing. It will be seen by these that 
those who knew him best loved him most. 

The first letter is from Wiley Mountjoy, a brother of 
the lamented J. W. Mountjoy. 

Recollections of Dr. W. H. Hopson. 

"On the 1st day of January, 1876, as the north-bound train 
stopped at Canton, Mo., a young man issued from the cars and 
stepped upon the platform. 

" A close observer need not have been told that he was a 
stranger. The look, half of inquiry and half of appeal, the un- 
easy manner and woe-begone expression of countenance, must 
have proclaimed to the denizens of the town, who had doubtless 
seen many of the same species, that he was one of the newest of 
the students of Canton University. This, at any rate, was the 
truth. This young man was myself, and I had come to enter the 
college, then under the presidency of Dr. W. H. Hopson, who 
had but recently assumed the administration of its affairs. In 
accordance with arrangements previously made by my friends, I 
was to become a member of his family. I can not describe my 
emotions when I looked up, for the first time, at the massive 
building which crowned the high hill overlooking the quiet town. 
I knew nothing of a college, either inside or outside ; but was 

210 



LIFE OF DR. \V. K. HOPSON. 211 

awed with the idea, awful to an unsophisticated youth, that the 
students were prodigies of learning, the professors regular Solo- 
mons, and the President almost if not quite as unapproachal)le as 
the Czar of Russia. It was with a sad and heavy heart, and many 
misgivings, that I sought the home of the only man I knew in 
Canton, Bro. J. H. Hickman, whom I had not met since my early 
boyhood. 

" I'shall never forget the dreariness of that drizzly New Year's 
day, nor the utter loneliness of my heart as I passed along these 
strange, quiet streets. 

"I found Bro. Hickman, and he conducted me to the home, 
and introduced me to Dr. Hopson. Nothing in all my experience 
is more distinct to me at this moment than this my first meeting 
with him. As much as I afterward associated with him, as much 
as I admired and loved him, lie never seemed to me so noble, so 
massive or so good as at this our first meeting. There he sat in 
his capacious, comfortable room, to me greatness personified ; yet 
he was so kind and considerate in what he said, so courteous and 
easy, that he completely disarmed me of all anxiety and embar. 
rassment, and made me feel completely at ease in his presence. 
I Jhave seen him in the pulpit in his happiest mood — his eyes 
were tongues, and his movements grace ; again in the class-room, 
under the inspiration of some favorite theme, when his talk flowed 
like a stream, and made melody as it ran ; still memory's chei- 
ished treasure is the recollection of this first meeting. The mental 
picture of that hour as he looked then, if it could be transferred 
to card or canvas, would far surpass any that I have ever seen of 
him. 

" He had passed the prime and vigor of life, the period in 
which men ordinarily are most active in their respective 
callings. Seemingly he had just begun to descend a long, gentle 
slope, amid golden fields and beautiful meadows, toward the silver 
sands that border the eternal ocean. Alas ! how soon this slope 
became abrupt, and the descent rapid. To drop the figure, the 
Doctor had reached that period in life when men who have given 
their lives to their fellow-men and to good works, feel that, while 
they have passed the time for most active service, they are just 
entering upon their greatest usefulness. So the Doctor doubtless 
thought he could now enjoy the fruits of former labor, and have 
some of the benefits of a well-deserved reputation. How soon 
the church, the college and the world were to be deprived of his 



212 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

ministrations, his teachings and tlie influence of his noble life, 
are well known. 

" I entered Canton University the second semester of his first 
session. I was lor a year and a half a member of his family, a 
puinl in his classes, an eager, delighted listener to his eloquent 
sermons. Thus I came to know, and admire and love Dr. 
Hopson. He was a father to me, and I knew it was not due to 
any merit of my own, or to any relationship between us ; for we 
were not only unrelated, but strangers, until we met to assume 
the relationship of teacher and pupil. It was due to his native 
kindness of heart, to the desire that he ever manifested of help- 
ing those who needed help, and of encouraging young men in 
their aspirations and efforts for a higher and nobler life. I might 
have thought it partiality to me if I had not witnessed repeatedly 
the same unselfish, generous treatment of other young men sim- 
ilarly situated. 

"The Doctor's kindness to young men studying for the min- 
istry has often been remarked. I now recall one mention in 
The Living Pulpit : ' He is especially kind to young preachers, and 
helps them in whatever way he can. In money matters he is 
liberal to a fault.' My own experience and observation fully 
confirm these statements. 

" Dr. Hopson 's personal appearance and characteristics are 
too well known for me to dwell upon them ; but I do not hesitate 
to say that he was one of the finest specimens of noble manhood 
I ever met. Tall, erect, dignified in his bearing, always well and 
appropriately dressed, courtly in his manners, kind and consid- 
erate at all times, he never failed to impress all who came within 
the charming circle of his personal influence that thej^ were in 
the presence of a gentleman in the truest sense of that term. 

" He was so kingly and martial in his bearing that strangers 
sometimes thought him proud and pompous. I have often heard 
him tell, with evident enjoyment, jokes at his own expense, il- 
lustrating this impression of strangers. This one occurs to me. 
He was waiting for a train at a Missouri town, and, growing some- 
what impatient of delay, was leisurely pacing up and down the 
platform. Two Irishmen were walking near. One of them says, 
' Pat, and can ye 's tell me who that man is ?' ' By me soul, sure 
I dunno,' replied the other. The first, after regarding the Doctor 
attentively a few moments, said, ' Be jabbers, I wonder if he 
thinks he made God Almighty, or God Almighty made him.' 



LIFE OF DR. VV. H. HOPSON. 213 

" Nothing was farther from the truth than the notion that 
the Doctor was arrogant and hauglity ; a very short time in his 
presence would banish all such thoughts. He had a quick sym- 
pathy for all who were less fortunate than himself. None were 
too lowly to receive his hearty and polite greetings wherever he 
met them. 

" The servants in his own family, and all the poor in the 
community, were greatly attached to him; for in him they recog- 
nized a real, helpful friend. If his sympathy and aid were in- 
valuable to the humble classes, his society and influence were 
not less eagerly sought by the wealthy and more favored. His 
superior dignity, his easy, graceful manners, and his ready con- 
verse, made him the favorite companion and the center of attrac- 
tion in nearly all circles, while his wisdom, prudence and exten- 
sive general knowledge made him the safe counselor and trusted 
friend. 

" I can not, in giving my estimate of him, make any criticah 
or wliat would be called a just estimate of him as a preacher. 
The pupils thought him among the most eloquent, logical and 
powerful of preachers: as to how much we were influenced in 
our estimate by an intense admiration and great respect for him; 
is not for me to say. It may be safely said, however, that his 
splendid jjersonal presence, natural grace of movement, power 
of clear logical statement, added to the rich melody of his voice, 
distinguished him as a man of marked ability in the pulpit. 

" He was a man of very devout spirit, and religious emotions 
of the highest order. I think during the year and a half 1 spent 
in his home he never failed to have family worship twice a day. 
No matter who was present, without explanation or apology, at 
the conclusion of the morning and evening meals, he had all to 
kneel around the table while he oflTered a fervent, earnest prayer. 
His reverence and devotion were simply beautiful. 

"One of the loveliest traits of Dr. Hopson's character was 
his benevolence. I believe he was the most truly benevolent 
man I ever knew. He would give as long as he had to give while 
there was a fellow-creature in need around him. He did not seek 
to know when and where it would be popular to give, nor did he 
accumulate a large amount and give it at once that he might have 
the praise of men ; but daily he experienced the joy and blessed- 
ness of unselfish giving. 

" What is sometimes spoken of as his exceptional kindness 



214 LIB^E OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

to young men was not exceptional. This is only an instance of 
that native kindness of heart which ' abounded to all men.' This 
is most often heard because told by these young men. But, oh ! 
if the voice of widows and orphans could be heard, if their grate- 
ful tears could speak, they would tell of heavy hearts made light, 
and of dreary homes brightened by his unselfish visitations. 
There are many to-day in whose hearts is sweet music to the 
memorj^ of Dr. Hopson, hearts in which there was little music 
until their chords felt the tender touch of his hand. 

" I suppose there are in the lives of all men what might be 
termed pivotal points, events from which they reckon success or 
faiUire — from which they date the beginning of certain influences 
which determine character and destiny. So many of us can re- 
call certain men whose friendship has been most timely and in- 
valuable, men who, by their exalted character and teaching, have 
exercised a controlling and lasting influence upon our characters. 
With profound gratitude I shall always see Dr. Hopson in this 
relation to myself. Wiley Mountjoy, 

" Camden Point, Mo." 

" Perc'he, Mo., January 26, 1887. 

" Dear Sister Hopson : — It is with great pleasure I write, at 
your request, concerning my recollections of a life as grand and 
God-like as that of Dr. AV. H. Hopson ; not because my feeble pen 
could describe the many noble traits of a life so distinguished in 
the service of God, but to express the gratitude of my own heart 
for his help in making me what I am, both as a man and preacher 
of the gospel of Christ. It can only be partially known how I 
appreciate this privilege when I repeat some of the blessings I 
have gathered from his life. 

" In February, 1875, Bro. Hopson was assisting Bro. Wilkes 
in a meeting at Columbia, Mo., when I confessed Christ and 
united with the church. In August, 1876, when he found I was 
penniless, and had a desire to study for the ministry, he invited 
me to his house to board, and I could pay him, when my college 
course ended, and I should be able to save the money. It was 
in February, 1877, I was set apart with fasting and prayer; he 
spoke the impressive words, ' Preach the word,' and with laying 
on of hands directed the services which authorized me to preach 
the gospel to dying sinners. I shall never forget the earnest and 
impressive charge which he gave for nis in the presence of the 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 215 

large audience. It was in June, 1878, as President of Canton 
University, he handed me the graduating diploma of that insti- 
tution. 

" During the year that I lived in your family, Bro. Hopson 
treated me more like an intimate friend than a boarder ; much 
more like a son than a stranger ; more, indeed, like a companion 
and counselor than a mere student. At times he would converse 
freely concerning his work, and plans and prospects, while my 
crude thoughts were of no benefit to him. It filled my heart 
with high and noble aspirations to listen to him, and gave me a 
burning desire to become like this friend and Christian com- 
panion that the Lord had given me. 

"Thus in my intercourse with the family, a member of the 
church where Dr. Hopson was pastor, a student in the school 
where he was President, and an attendant on his classes, I learned 
much of the child-like simplicity of his heart, his lofty concep- 
tions of both God and man, his wonderful confidence in his 
heavenly Father, and his unceasing love for the cause of his 
Master. 

" There are few men who impart such a high conception of 
true manhood. He was, first of all, a true man, and manifested 
the highest and most Christ-like ideal I have seen among men. 
True to his friends, true to his church, true to his conscience, and 
true to his God. 

" He was known wherever he lived as a man of strict integ- 
rity, and of good report among all. Pie was ever foremost in the 
councils of his brethren. Nothing engrossed his thoughts more 
than the interests of the church — it was first, middle and last 
with him. Few men were as true to their convictions. He would 
suffer his right arm to go to the flames before he would go against 
his conscientious decision on any subject ; yet, when convinced 
that he had taken a wrong position, no one would yield in a 
more manly way than he. 

" Always loyal and true to the word of God; in fact, he was 
pre-eminently a man who loved the truth for the truth's sake, 
and gave the world a living example of it. 

" The dignified appearance of Dr. Hopson left the impression 
on a few that he must be a man of a proud and haughty spirit. 
As soon, however, as one came to know something of his 
sympathy for the poor and the child-like nature he possessed, 
these thoughts would be forever dispelled. 



216 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

" No one had a better opportunity than I did to learn much 
of his life. The year I was a member of your familj% we started 
in with eighteen members : Father and Mother Fife, your niece, 
Miss Freddie Lord, Prof. Kay, tliree Bible students, four young 
men attending school, and three young ladies and two domestics. 
They ranged in age from fifteen to eighty years. In character, 
they represented everything, from the careless, thoughtless, mis- 
chievous school boy and girl to the ripe old disciples of Christ, 
ready for the garner of God. In birth, nationality and politics 
we represented Europe and America, from the South and tbe 
North, the East and the West ; yet under all these varied circum- 
stances Bro. Hopson had such a hold on the affections of all that 
the family ran as smooth and regular as clock-work ; our meals 
always on time, every member of the family in his or her place 
at morning and evening worship, and thus all through the day 
his natural simplicity and love gave direction to all. One who 
knew him both in the family and out could not help but love 
him. 

" This was especially demonstrated when the hand of disease 
laid Bro. Hopson so near death's door. There were the four phy- 
sicians who watched at his bedside by turns, and the anxious 
watchers from the church, who held their pastor in the highest 
esteem. When the sad hour came, and the life of your dear hus- 
band was despaired of, tears fell from the eyes of the servants in 
the kitchen, not because he was their employer, but because they 
loved him for his consideration for their needs ; tears gathered in 
the eyes of the students, who felt they were about to lose their 
best [friend ; the neighbors came with sad and inquiring hearts, 
' How is he now ?' In him they had a neighbor who would do 
unto them as he would have them do unto him. The same ex- 
pression came upon the countenances of the poor. Few men 
were so ready to divide with the man of poverty. Often I have 
known him to deprive himself of comforts to give to those in 
need. The poor never called for bread in vain, and to-day I re- 
member well his exhortations to the church to take care of the 
poor. But the poor loved him, not on account of his gifts — he 
preached the gospel unto them. Many men with the literary 
attainments of Dr. Hopson can scarcely be understood by the 
illiterate and uneducated masses. While the educated heard him 
with joy, it was none the less true of the unlearned. The same 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 217 

simplicity and clearness of style manifested in the puipit charac- 
terized his teaching in the classes. 

" His sympathy was unbounded. It mattered not how im- 
portant the occasion, or how grave the subject that was occupying 
his mind, he could enter into sympathy with the humblest stu- 
dent in school, and the needs or complaints of none were too 
small for his immediate attention and aid. 

" If there is a position on earth where grander power and 
more earnest lives in the service of Christ are needed than in all 
others, it is in the teachers who assist in the preparation of young 
men to preach the gospel. Should I wish to judge the life, char- 
acter and work of any Bible school professor, just tell me what 
their students are doing after they leave the college walls. It is 
not simply a man who can teach the facts and truths of the word 
of God, but he who can build character out of these principles 
and create an undying desire and an earnest life to preach the 
gospel of our Lord. 

" Did space permit, nothing would give me more pleasure 
than to point to the young men, and their work for Christ, who 
were in the classes of Dr. Hopson's Bible school and received in- 
struction, both by precept and example, from that grand man- 
When the Lord shall call him home to receive the crown laid up 
for him in heaven, there will be scores to stand in his stead to 
carry the banner of the cross to dying men. Few will have the 
talents God gave him, but whatever God has given them they 
will use. None may have the eloquence of our dear brother, but 
his earnest life will ever stimulate the young preacher of the 
gospel to do all in his power to lead sinners to Christ. 

" In talking to quite an intelligent attorney in regard to the 
labors and preaching of Dr. Hopso , he said : ' He is the most 
eloquent man I ever heard. Why, just to look at him in the 
pulpit was a sermon to me.' This was a power in the life of Bro. 
Hopson. That life always preached Christ. 

" There are many things I would like to write, but it would 
make this letter too long. There is one thing I must speak of be- 
fore I close, and that is his constant friendship and self-denial for 
the young preacher. He was not a wealthy man. He had nothing 
but his salary as a preacher, and the church and the poor gener- 
ally got a large share of that before the year would be out. Yet 
when I asked one of my room-mates who was studying the Bible 
at school with me, and who is now a most excellent preacher and 



218 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

president of one of our leading female colleges, .' What did you 
pay Bro. Hopson for board while you were with him ?' he replied, 
' He kept me one year and a half, and charged me nothing for 
board except the little chores I did.' His kindness to me I shall 
never jforget, when he told me to come to his house and board, 
and I might pay him some time in the future if I ever became 
able. I had nothing, and after I graduated and commenced 
preaching, when I had saved fifty dollars I sent it to him, sup- 
posing it would pay a little over one-third of my indebtedness. I 
asked him in tlie letter, ' How much more do I owe you ?' The 
reply came, ' This is enough.' Imagine the joy of ray heart, not 
so much on account of my release, although that was much to a 
young preacher just starting out in life, but for the kind remem- 
brance and love, the substantial gift from so great and good a 
man. Nothing could bring tears of joy from my eyes more readily 
than the unselfish deeds of God's children. These are two of 
the several kind and benevolent acts I know of in assisting 
young men to prepare themselves for the work of preaching the 
gospel. 

"Had he been a man of Avealth, all would have said it wa& 
his duty to give, and as the recipient of Jhis benevolence I should 
have been grateful. As it is, however, it came more like the 
widow's mite, who gave all. Thus all along his life he has been 
giving for the good of mankind, and to build up the cause of Christ. 
It seems there must have l)een a sentiment in his heart akin to 
these lines — 

•' ' But the seeds of good we sow. 
Both in shade and shine will grow, 
And will keep our hearts aglow.' 

" This is certainly true of his life, as he seems now to enjoy 
the fruit in the lives of the preachers who were once young men 
in his hands — the soil into which he has sown precious seeds. 
His work is ended, but his deeds will still live in our hearts, and 
his influence, like waves from mid-ocean, will roll on until it 
strikes the shores of eternity. 

" G. A. Hoffman." 



CHAPTER XXXYI. 

Letter from R. C. Ricketts.— Encouragement to Write.— Dr. Hop- 
son's Position on the War Question. — His Conservatism on 
the Subject. — His Friends in Botli Parties. — Effect of his 
Arrest. — His Return to Kentucky after the War. — Speech at 
Midway. — Cordial Reception.— Estimate of the Man in Every 
Way. 

Bro. J. H. Hardin's Letter. — First Acquaintance witli Dr. Hopson. 
— His Kindness to Me. — Easy in his Presence. — Estimate of 
Him as a Preacher and Christian Man. 

Bro. Wm. Van Pelt's Letter. — Warmth of Friendship. — Political 
Differences. — Fraternal Feelings. — Grand Sermons. 

Bro. W. B. Emmal's Letter. — Bro. W. S. Giltner's Letter. — Emi- 
nence, Ky. — Bro. C. B. Edgar. — Cynthiana. — Extract of Letter 
from Ella B. Myles. — Letter from Bro. Fred Power, of Wash- 
ington City. — Extract of Letter from Pres. J. T. Patterson, of 
Hamilton College, Lexington, Ky. — Letter from Chas. L. Loos, 
President Kentucky University. — Letter from Prof. Robert 
Graham, Kentucky University. — Letter from S. W. Crutcher. 
— Letter from Mrs. Alexander Campbell. — Letter from Pres. 
,T. W. Ellis, Plattsburg, Mo.— Letter from Prof. J. W. Mc- 
Garvey, Kentucky University. — Letter from Z. F. Smith, 
Louisville.— Letter from R. M. Bishop, Cincinnati. 

Bro. R. C. Rickctls, well known among our brethren, 
and for years a tried friend and for months an inmate of 
our home, was kind enough to contribute the following 
letter : 

" Palmyra, May 15, 1886. 

" Dear Sister Hopson : — I am glad to know that you propose 
to write a history of Dr. Hopson's life. No person is as capable 
as yourself. You have the ability in an eminent degree; you 
have the facts as no other person can have, and I know you will 
be true and faithful. 

2i9 



220 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

" I was, as you know, intimate with both the Doctor and 
yourself long before the late war, as was my wife also. When the 
war broke out I had a free conversation with the Doctor. His 
true position was not generally understood. He would greatly 
have preferred the unity of the Government in what he thought 
was the constitutional rights of the States. But the war was in- 
augurated ; and, looking at its probable horror, the loss of treasure 
and thousands of valuable lives, as a merciful expedient be pre- 
ferred a peaceable separation, thinking that if the matter didn't 
work well there was enough wisdom in the country to bring back 
a peaceable union. He looked at the matter from the standpoint 
of Bible morality and mercy. He was always temperate and calm 
in his expressions, and very tolerant toward those brethren who 
differed from him, never using unkind remarks about them. He 
continued doing the work of his Master, violating no law of the 
land, when the purpose to arrest him became known. He 
had many friends in both political parties who mourned over 
his ari'est, and but few, if any, were more surprised or shocked 
than I was. I knew the Doctor well. On our first acquaintance 
I was charmed by his large, well-formed person and courteous 
manners. In deportment he was dignified, and he manifested 
habitually the refinement of a Christian gentleman. 

" As a preacher of the gospel he had but few equals, if any. 
He handled his subjects with much clearness and marked ability. 
He was both fluent and eloquent ; hence turned many from dark- 
ness to light. 

" As a housekeeper he was a man of generous and elegant 
hospitality, causing his guests to feel that they were 'welcome at 
his hospitable home. No man knew better how or loved more to 
entertain his friends than he. I state these things from both per- 
sonal experience and observation, and I may add, as ground of 
high personal regard and Christian esteem. 

" But the war, with its privations and imprisonments, finally 
came to an end. The Doctor returned to Lexington on a visit, at 
the earnest solicitation of friends. About that time some over- 
zealous brethren had called for a convention at Midway, of the 
friends, to consider the wants of orphan boys, as to their care, 
education, etc. I moved an indefinite postponement, as we had a 
female orphan school in hand at that place. This was agreed to, and 
our meeting adjourned. Dr. Hopson was on the ground that ay— the 
first sight I had had of him from the time of his arrest. This was the 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 221 

case with many who were present on that occasion. Our (lehl)era- 
tions being closed, it was proposed to state to Dr. Hopson the facts, 
the conchisions to which we came, and the ground of our action. 
We all wanted to see him and once more hear his voice, with none to 
make afraid. The Doctor was happy in his remarks that day, and 
the partisans of both sides gave him a most cordial greeting. 

" In closing, I need not say to you that since then the Doctor 
married me to one you had long loved as a sister, and that we 
have spent a large part of the time since then as members of 
your immediate household. It was home to us all in the true 
sense of the word. Our only trouble was the Doctor's feeble 
health and some sickness on my part. My wife joins in Christian 
love to both. As ever, R. C. Ricketts." 

"Hamnibal, May 13, 1880. 

" Dear Sister Hopson .-—Yours received, and my reason for not 
complying earlier is, that I desired a little time for reflection, in 
order that I might write something worthy of him whose life- 
work you are trying to record. Now that I have undertaken 
it, I am entirely at a loss to know how to express the high estimate 
I have for your beloved husband. 

" My acquaintance with Dr. Hopson began while I was a 
student in Kentucky University, and he was pastor of the Fourth 
and Walnut Street Church, in Louisville. He was then, I think, 
the finest looking man I had ever seen. His portrait in the 
Living Pulpit is a good picture of him as he then appeared. After 
I left college I was frequently in Louisville, and he gave me strict 
orders that I was never to stop at a hotel while he kept house 
there. His generosity of spirit was unbounded. He could always 
put the diffident and fearful young preacher more fully at ease in 
bis presence than any man I was ever thrown with. 

" As a preacher at the period I mention, for clearness of state- 
ment, elegance of diction, pertinence of argument, ease and grace 
of manner, together with tender persuasiveness. I have never 
seen him excelled. No man has ever impressed himself as a 
preacher of Christ more deeply upon the hearts of the people of 
Missouri, the scene of his early labors as well as his latest efforts 
than he has. I have traveled much, as you know, over the State 
among the older churches and elderly brethren and sisters. I 
heard no human name so frequently as his, and in all the allu- 
sions to him that I have ever heard there has never been a 



^22 LIFE OF DR. AV. H. HOPSOM. 

whisper of anything that would suggest a suspicion against his 
<!haracter as a gentleman and a Christian. I may add that by no 
means the smallest portion of the admiration I have heard thus 
expressed has been from the poor and humble. 

" How sad to think that the days of usefulness for him who 
was so useful are over; that the friend of my early ministry 
can no longer lead us young preachers to do daring deeds for 
Christ; that the voice so full of sweet eloquence when it rang 
with the gospel story, must now tremble and falter and be hushed. 
May God grant him peacefulness in these hours of enforced re- 
tirement ; and, should it be our Father's will to soon take him 
from us, may he find sweet rest in the bosom of that Saviour to 
whom he has won so many thousands of men and women, and, 
after all, the rest that remains for the people of God. 

"J. H. Hardin." 

Bro. Hardin has since been elected President of 
Christian University, Canton, Mo. 

I will now take an extract from a most interesting 
and sympathetic letter of Bro. Wm. Van Pelt, of Lex- 
ington, Ky. , of December 28, 1886 : 

" I am happy to know that the Doctor remembers our past 
history with pleasure, and that he sometimes thinks of the many 
happy hours spent together in my own dear home. Notwith- 
.standing our political views were so radically different, we could 
talk together as Christian brethren, each believing the other hon- 
est in his respective views. We always let the mantle of charity 
cover us, believing that everything in this world is only a second- 
ary matter when brought in contrast with the Christian religion. 

" I often call to mind the many grand sermons I have sat and 
listened to from the old Main Street pulpit, from the lips of Dr. 
Hopson, and it is my candid opinion that no^man I ever heard 
preach could surpass them. Oh, the joy and gladness that those 
discourses brought to the minds and hearts of the members of 
that church ! Eternity alone can reveal the great good that was 
done by those precious efforts of the Doctor's at that time. Take 
.comfort, dear brother, even as you have so often comforted others 
from the blessed promises of the word of God. Be strong in the 
faith the few remaining days or years of your life. When you 
have finished your course, you will go home to the bright man 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 223 

sions that Jesus has gone to prepare for all his faithful followers. 
I can not expect to be here many years longer, for I have now 
passed my ' threescore years and ten ; and if by reason of strength 
they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow, for 
it is soon cut off and we fly away.' 

" Now let me say, dear sister and brother, you have my deep- 
est sympathy in your sad affliction. May God give you grace and 
fortitude to bear it. 

" Your Brother in Christ, 

" Wm. Van Pelt." 

The following is from another of those noble Union 
men of Kentucky whose Christianity rose above political 
differences, and who has always proved himself a tried 
and true friend. Many a pleasant day have we spent 
under his hospitable roof, where he and his good wife 
have always made us feel they were indeed and truth our 
brother and sister. 

" Lexington, Ky., Nov. 30, 1886. 

" Dear Brother : — I was so much pleased to receive a letter 
from Sister Hopson a few days since. In it she informs me that 
you could not walk alone ; that was not pleasing news. Well, 
just remember that a good man's steps are ordered by the Lord, 
and, should he fall, he will rise again. 

"How the years have passedTsince we first met, more than a 
quarter of a century ||ago, at a time that tried men's souls! A 
man that could guide his feelings with discretion, and not fall out 
by the way, was a wise man. You and I tried to do this, but was 
it not hard to keep the body under the control of the mind? It 
was not fighting against the air, but principalities and powers in 
high places. All that is past now, and God's will be done, not- 
withstanding our body is decaying (and who would want to live 
always?) God has been so kind to us in that our minds are in 
good condition. God grant that they may so continue until time 
with us shall be no more — then we shall meet and know each 
other there where eternal youth and joy shall be our portion, 
with all the redeemed, to praise God and the Lamb forever. 
" Fraternally Your Brother, 

" W. B. Emmal." 



224 IJFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

Bro. W. S. Giltner, a prominent educator, who has 
done much towards educating young men for the minis- 
try in Kentucky, and is President of Eminence College, 

says : 

" Eminence, Ky. 

" Dear Sister Hopson : — Your letter is received. I am glad to 
jearn that you are gathering up the facts in regard to the impor- 
tant meetings held by j'our distinguished husband, and putting 
them on record as a part of the history of the great reformatory 
movement of the nineteenth century. 

" One who was as active as the Doctor in his able advocacy of 
the principles of primitive Christianity, was an important factor 
in crystallizing the religious thought of the day into that perma- 
nent form which constitutes the literature of the 'current refor- 
mation,' and he richly deserves that the im})ortant part he took in 
this grand work should become a part of its history. I will con- 
sult with Bro. King and others, and gather up the data requested 
and send them to you. 

" Yours faithfully, in the hope of a better life, 

" W. S. Giltner." 

" Cynthiana, Ky., Feb. 10, 1887. 

" My Dear Bro. Hopson : — I have not seen you for more than 
four years, but I have thought of you many, many times, and in* 
quired of your health of every one likely to know. 

" Lately I learned that you and Sister Hopson are at Nash- 
ville, and that you are in feeble health. Thinking it might be 
some pleasure for you to hear from us, and feeling that it would 
be a great pleasure to us to write, I venture to send you this 
through Bro. Cave. I want to assure you that we are warmly in- 
terested in your condition, and speak of you often and tenderly. 
I feel that I want you to know that you are very dear to us, and 
that we earnestly pray God's blessing upon you in your affliction, 
and his comforting help to the end. 

" I can never f rget how very kind you always were to me 
especially in the early days of my ministry, when your kindness 
and encouragement were so much needed and so deeply appre- 
ciated. So you early won my heart, and you have it still. 

" You will be glad to learn that we are very happily wedded — 
still perfectly happy in each other, etc. 

" Your Brother in Christ, C B. Edgab." 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 225 

The Doctor had the pleasure of marrying Bro. Edgar 
to his beautiful wife, in Hannibal, Mo., and it was a great 
gratification to him to receive the above letter. 

I turn from this bright, beautiful picture of domestic 
happiness to another letter, written to me by one we knew 
as a bright, beautiful school-girl in Lexington, Ky., as 
the happy, joyous bride of a young man of talent and 
deep piety. It was beautiful to see the young girl unite 
her life with the earnest servant of the cross, and go 
forth to stand bravely by his side, bearing with him the 
heat and burden of the day. She was peculiarly fitted 
for a minister's wife. When I met her again she was a 
watcher by the couch of pain. Her beloved husband had 
sunk under his work, and for years she nursed him till 
the end came. The Doctor pronounced the sad words 
that consigned first her darling babe to the grave, and in 
a few months her beloved husband. But little over a 
year ago these words were written by her, and she has 
been with her loved ones more than half the time since. 
T have several of her letters, but none that touches me 
so deeply as this : 

" Mayfield, Ky., March 15, 1886. 

" My Dear Friend and Sister : — I have so often thought of you, 
and intended writing sooner, but various causes have prevented. 
You liave been carrying a heavy load a long time ; I know by sad 
experience how heavy and heavier it grows. You have loving? 
sympathetic friends, far and wide, whose hearts are touched with 
your sorrow, and whose prayers mingle with yours for God's 
grace to be sufficient for you. 

" The promise is sure and steadfast ; it will not fail. I so often 
think of Dr. Hopson as I knew him in my childhood and in our St. 
Louis life. He once gave me a never to be forgotten encouragement 
as to Albert's training. He said that I must work upon his affec- 
tions ; that no other way promised such success. I know it now 
more fully than I could then. I wish to thank him once again 
for his hopeful words to me. Albert is in his fourteenth year, a 



226 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

young Disciple, a loving boy, an ambitious student, well ad- 
vanced. He is not faultless, by any means; that we do not ex- 
pect in the flesh. 

" I feel that I have many blessings, though many times the 
way is so dark I can not see how I am to walk. It is made clear 
when I leave it all at Jesus' feet. My little girl is a five-year-old 
darling, affectionate and precious. She is devoted to church 
work — claps her hands when the bell calls us to church. Last 
Lord's day there was a young preacher with us, and in his ser- 
mon he repeated some excellent suggestions he had once heard 
Dr. Hopson make, at Main Street prayer-meeting, in Lexington. 
May his warm heart be warmed over the knowing that his works 
do follow him. His cheering words and sound counsel are still 
remembered, though his voice is silent in the gatherings he so 
loved. Many of us are enabled to go forward under the influence 
of the years gone by. 

" I should be so glad to hear from you and him, but I know 
your hands are full, and can not ask you to write often. My 
warmest love and sympathy for both you and your dear one. 
"Sincerely, Ella B. Myles." 

" Vermont Ave. Christian Church, ) 
Washington, D. C, July 7, 1886. j 

" Mij Dear Bro. Hopson : — I learn, through Sister Hopson, of 
your continued illness. I have thought much of you during the 
trial through which you have been called to pass, and it was very 
gratifying to me to get her letter recently, and to learn of your 
heroic bearing in adversity. It is a lesson which is mightier, if 
possible, than any sermon you ever preached, and this term 
would apply to your sermons as I remember them — they were 
mighty. 

*' People are sometimes led to think that we who teach others 
could not be equal to the full practice of our teachings. I re- 
member your sermons were very full of the doctrinal element of 
our holy religion. You have fully vindicated yourself as a prac- 
tical disciple of our Master, and who shall say that God has not 
used you thus as gloriously as he ever used you in the pulpit^ 
which you so much adorned. 

" It is with pleasure I look back upon the winter of 1865 and 
'6, when I met and heard you so frequently in Richmond, Va. 
Though I was but a boy then, your preaching greatly impressed 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 227 

me, and your kindly notice which I was so fortunate as to receive 
has always been most gratefully remembered. 

" My father and Judge Muscoe (larnet were ardent admirers 
of yours, and the services at old Sycamore Church were the treat 
of the week, and helped to keep the distinguished legislators in good 
moral tone constantly. I believe you had better material to deal 
with in the Virginia Legislature than has fallen to me in the 
United States Congress. I remember there was a(!tually a legisla- 
tive prayer-meeting held at the time in the Senate Chamber, con- 
ducted by the members of the Legislature. 

"May the promise, 'I will be with you alway,' give you 
constant cheer. Christ ianly Yours. 

" Feed D. Power.'' 

I find in a private letter, not intended for publication, 
the following complimentary notice of Dr. H. : 

" In regard to my opinion of the Doctor, what I say is my 
judgment of his worth as a splendid specimen of the finished 
pulpit orator, his unswerving Christian integrity, his devotional 
attachment to his personal friends, and his open-handed charity 
in helping the poor. In other words, I could not speak of the 
Doctor in any other way than as furnishing and filling my idea 
of a noble Christian gentleman. I was not as intimately ac- 
quainted with Bro. Hopson as I was with Bro. Lard, and yet I 
think I knew him well enough to form a just and generous 
opinion of his real merit. The impressions I formed of him, the 
first time I heard him preach, were never changed, and I can 
only express my regret to hear you say, * His work is done.' May 
Heaven strengthen your hands, and make you strong to help the 
tottering giant on his way to the tomb. Heaven bless you, and 
brighten the future before you, is the wish of all. 

" Sincerely yours, J. T. Patterson." 

Bro. Patterson is the popular President of Hamilton 
Female College, Lexington, Ky. He with his good wife 
" Aunt Lou," helped to make our lives very pleasant 
while we were in Lexington the last year we were there. 

Bro. Charles L. Loos sends me the following letter, 
which I insert with pleasure : 



228 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

" Lexington, Dec. 16, 1886. 

" Dear Sister Hopson : — The purpose you have formed of writ- 
ing the life of your husband is most honorable to yourself, and 
will be very gratifying to the multitude among us who, by per- 
sonal acquaintance and by reputation, know the life, the labor, 
and the worth of our brother as a preacher of the gospel and as 
a Christian man. It is a good thing that your heart has moved 
you to do this, and that you have the courage to undertake the 
task. The life-history of men who have been eminent in the 
great office of preacher of the cross should not be lost to coming 
generations. It is a treasure that is precious to God's people, in 
its example and in the record of what such men have actually 
accomplished for their Master among men. 

" Dr. Hopson has been a servant of the Lord in the word of 
much more than common power. He has stood among the first 
in his day — in the day of his vigor — as an advocate of ancient 
Christianity. His fidelity to the cause he has served in the min- 
istry, his braverj"^ in defending it, the passionate ardor with 
which he espoused it, the sincerity and earnestness he mani- 
fested in urging it upon men, the dignity with which he advo^ 
cated it, have always been prominent and distinguished charac- 
teristics of Dr. Hopson as a preacher. This tribute will be 
accorded him wherever he has labored in the gospel ; above all, 
where he has been best known. 

" The story of his life deserves to be told by one who knows 
it best, who is most familiar with its inner as well as its outer 
history; nothing is truer than this, that the inner life alone can 
truly expound the outer, it alone can give light, truth and reality 
to it. We can never know a man until we understand well what 
the inner hidden springs and motives of his actions have been. 
The thousands of Dr. Hopson's friends will read with pleasure 
and interest the story of his life, rich in incidents, in labor and 
results, written by the hand of one who has been nearest to him^ 
who understands it best, knows best its real worth, and who 
alone can tell it as it ought to be told. 

" Your Brother in Christ, 

" Chas. Louis Loos." 

I owe many thanks to Bro. Graham for his words of 
encouragement : 



LIFE OF W. DR. H. HOPSON. 229 

" Lexington, Ky., Jan. 1, 1887. 

" Dear Sister Hopson : — Your kind letter reached me a few 
days ago. I am glad you are preparing a memoir of tlie Doctor, 
and I hope his many friends will furnish you interesting facts of his 
history that will be worthy of a place in your forthcoming book. 

" In such a book as yon propose to publish, we look not so 
much for an account of great achievements as for incidents that re- 
veal character, and attach us more and more to the objectof our ad- 
miration. We want to see his inner and domestic life, the virtues 
he displayed among his most intimate friends more tiian the con- 
quests made upon the world's great battle-field. A preacher's 
life differs from all others, even as his calling does; his is a min- 
istry of mercy to the poor as well as the rich ; to the obscure and 
suffering more tlian to the opulent and prosperous; his visits 
and his preaching, if he fqllow his Master, must be benedictions 
to the broken-hearted and those ready to perish ; and the laurels 
he wins are mostly the gratitude of the sinful, the sad and the 
lost. I hope, therefore, you will not disdain to give us such a 
biography of your gifted husband as will let the world see he was 
a generous man, a loving and faithful friend, as well as a tran- 
scendent orator. 

" The first I ever heard of Bro. Hopson was from the lips of 
old Bro. Joel Hay den, of Missouri, long since gone to his rest. 
He was on a visit to Fayetteville, Ark., where he had relatives, 
and I was engaged in building up Arkansaw College and the 
cause of Christ. Father Hay den, as we called him, used to tell 
me of your husband's marvelous [tower in the pulpit, and would 
dwell more and more on the theme on each subsequent visit. 
Bro. Hayden had then been in the ministry over half a century, 
and was a good judge of preaching; and I doubt not had much 
to do in inducing Bro. Hopson to give up the practice of medi- 
cine and take to the pulpit on the death of his wife. 

"More than this, I knew but little of the Doctor till I re- 
moved to Kentucky, in 1859. He had just held his great meeting 
^n Cincinnati, Ohio, during whicli the j)ress to hear him was so 
great that, on one occasion, the use of Smith & Nixon's Hall had 
to be procured to accommodate the audience. The hall was, at 
that time, the largest in the city. When, in 18()2, I was called to 
preach for the church in Cincinnati, I often heard the brethren 
say that they never heard more powerful sermons than the Doc- 
or delivered during that meeting. 



230 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

" As yet I had not seen Bro. Hopson, and it was not until my 
return from California, in 1866, when T located in Lexington, Ky., 
that we became acquainted with each oth^r. When, in 1869, we 
became coeditors with Lard, McGarvey and Wilkes, we became 
intimate friends. From that time till now we have known each 
other well, and our attachment has grown stronger as the years 
have passed by. This period included his ministry in Louisville, 
his return to Lexington, and his service on the editorial staff of 
the Apostolic Times. 

" It was during the last year of his ministry in Lexington that 
his health began to give way seriously, and, as I think, his splen- 
did power as a preacher. 

"It is as a preacher, rather than as an editor, he will be in 
after years remembered. I never thought he excelled as a writer 
or in profound scholarship, but as a pulpit speaker I never heard 
him surpassed when he was at himself, and I have heard many 
great preachers in my time. From 1856 to 1876 he was, among us> 
without a superior in the pulpit, and with few, if any, equals* 
Bro. Lard was his only rival here in Kentucky, in my opinion. 
The Doctor had as fine a personal appearance in the pulpit as I 
ever saw, and he could use his material to as !great advantage in 
a sermon as any man I ever heard. 

"To some who did not know him he appeared proud; but, 
as he once told me, if God had given him a commanding body it 
was no fault of his, and he would have to bear it. But he was 
not proud in the common sense of that word. He was sensitively 
alive to the good opinion of others, and this gave a slight tinge 
of vanity to his conversation ; but we could all forgive that, for 
we knew him to be wholly free from envy, that is so often joined 
to it. In his intercourse with people in and out of the church, 
he always maintained a becoming dignity of demeanor, which? 
united to his large and symmetrical body, made all but his 
familiar friends approach him with deference. 

" There was nothing small in Dr. Hopson ; he was large-hearted 
and generous; he had a good wonl and kind deed, when needed, 
for his younger brethren in the ministry. He always rejoiced in 
the prosperity of his fellow-laborers and the church. For them 
he commanded recognition, and, while a perfect gentleman in all 
his intercourse with other religious bodies, he never accepted a 
compliment at the expense of his brethren. He was always con- 
siderate of the feelings of others in the advocacy of his own 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 231 

views, but he made no compromises with any. His whole life 
shows he was just to all, generous to those needing his help, and 
a brave defender of truth and righteousness as God gave him to 
see them. Respectfully yours, 

" Robert Graham." 

I am indebted to Bro. S. W. Crutcher for the ap- 
pended letter : 

"It was during the session of 1858-'9, while a student at 
Bethany College, that I first heard of Dr. Hopson. Bro. B. H. 
Smith, of Missouri, brought up his name while it was in order to 
name the best preacher any of the company had ever heard. 

" A year or two after this I first saw the Doctor, with his wife, 
on their way to church, during a meeting he was holding in Rich- 
mond, Kentucky. I heard him a number of times during this 
series of sermons. One day when he had entered the church, 
before many others had come into the house, I ventured to intro- 
duce myself and ask him to give me a little aid in understanding 
Matt. xi. 12. 

" The manner in which he received me, and the simplicity of 
his exposition of the passage, alike charmed me and at once re- 
moved the barrier which his dignified appearance in the pulpit 
would have placed between himself and a diffident country boy, 
who had a purpose in his heart to preach the gosi>el some day. I 
also observed his kind and deferential manner to an humble, and, 
but for their Bible knowledge, I would say an illiterate class of 
ministerial brethren who were in attendance on this meeting 
with an anxiety that would catch at his every sentence, as coming 
from one who was possessed of advantages superior to theirs, and 
who was, therefore, worthy to have them sit at his feet. 

"This trait in Dr. Hopson's Character, more than any other, 
drew me to him in the first place ; and the many subsequent ex- 
hibitions of this same spirit satisfied me that it came from a heart 
that had been made right by the spirit of the meek and lowly One- 
' Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.' 
I can think of no finer exhibition of this spirit than to see a man 
looked up to as a superior, in turn condescending to take a deep 
interest in the inexperienced boy-preacher, or the humble, true 
man of God feeling keenly his need of better educational ad- 
vantages. 



232 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

" During the summer of 1870 Bro. Hopson spent his vacation 
from Louisville in and around Georgetown, where I was then 
located. Among the meetings of this tour, he held one at New- 
town, and this one stirred up the venerable and venerated Thomas 
P. Dudley. I happened at Father Dudley's Saturday meeting at 
Georgetown, the first one held after the Doctor's visit to Newtown, 
and I found all the particular Baptists on hand, and their preacher 
on the war-path. After pointing over towards the Baptist College 
and comparing it sarcastically to bullet-molds, because it was a 
machine for making preachers, he proceeded to Doctor Hopson's 
heretical teaching at Newtown. ' One of these has just closed 
a meeting at Newtown. He actually denied any divine call to 
the ministry. He examined the Presbyterian, the Methodist and 
the Baptist ministers in turn, and found each claimed to be called 
and sent to preach, and yet each was preaching a different ism" 
He, therefore, argued that each was mistaken about this divine 
call. " And now, so far," said he, "as I am concerned, I do n't 
claim to have any call, and yet I preach what I believe just as 
they do." No doubt he was right about it, brethren; a man 
who preaches heresy need not tell me he has no call to preach — 
his preaching will show that.' 

" This last sentence brought out quite a smile over the audi- 
ence. A few who knew me cast humorous glances at me. He 
continued : ' He actually preached so much about baptism that 
one of my sisters, that is, one who has long been a child of God 
by faith, and has told us, around the fireside, of God's work of 
grace upon her heart, but who, for some reason, we could never 
get to make a public profession, having heard all this talk about 
baptism, was taken sick one night and sent for me, and wanted 
me to go and baptize her in the night. I endeavored to show 
her how absurd the idea was that a child of God could ever be 
lost, whether baptized or not. What heresy! what heresy!' 
I met Dr. Hopson a few days after this and told him about 
it. He laughed immoderately while he expressed a profound 
respect for Thos. P. Dudley, whose honesty and piety none 
could doubt; at the same time it was amusing to him to know 
that it took just such ' heresy ' as he was preaching on the neces- 
sity of baptism to get Bro. Dudley's converts to make a public 
profession, and obey Christ in the ordinance of baptism. 

" It would be curious to know how many are members of 
other religious organizations, who would not have been there to- 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 233 

day but for our preaching on the importance of attending to this 

appointment of Christ. 

" Yours truly, 

" S. W. Crutcher." 

We appreciate very much the following letter from 
our aged sister, Mrs. Alexander Campbell. When Bro. 
Campbell and wife made their final visit to Missouri, in 
1859, I think, Dr. Hopson and I met them at Clarks- 
ville, and traveled two weeks with them. The trip was 
a continued feast of good things from the heart of that 
great man. 

" Louisville, June 21, 1886. 

" Dr. W. H. Hopson : — Beloved Brother in the Hope of the 
Gospel: — I desire to address you, with unfeigned sincerity of heart, 
a few Unes culled from memory's store-house. I refer to the past 
with earnestness, believing it will bring a gladdening influence to 
your heart at this time. 

" You, accompanied by your devoted helpmeet, met us at 
Clarksville, Mo., when my dear husband was canvassing for 
Bethany College. It was so kind in you to proffer your aid and 
comfort to the aged veterans at that time, who were traveling in 
such a good cause. It was an arduous work he had undertaken 
at his advanced age, but his convictions were strong that an over- 
ruling Providence would watch over him and return him safely 
home. Your kind care and watchfulness made the burden much 
lighter for him than it would have been. 

" I remember one pleasing way you pursued, when rising to 
address the many brethren who came to hear. You referred to 
the age of my beloved husband — telling it (as you had been so 
often inquired of) — you remarked that Bro. Campbell was 
among them in his seventy-first year, etc. Surely Mr. Campbell 
had reason to be grateful to the brotherhood wherever he went 
in Missouri for their aid in rebuilding Bethany College, that 
stands as a noble monument to his memory. 

" But let me add another pleasing recollection in regard 
to your labors for Christ. ~ While traveling in Illinois, in 
company with my husband, over large spaces of territory? 
before railroads were spread over it, at numerous places 
where we sojourned we were told the story of the young 



234 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

Bro. Hopson ; how he had preached among them, even to his 
own personal disadvantage, though greatly to the upbuilding 
of the cause of Christ, bringing many to the obedience of the 
gospel. I assure you, my dear brother, it ever after left an abid- 
ing impression on my heart in your favor, learning as I did your 
ardent devotion to the cause in your youth, and that, too, when 
it was indeed a courageous work to plead the return to primitive 
Christianity. 

"I often sat under your ministry in this city, and well re- 
member your earnest preaching. I was at Bloomington when the 
Missionary Convention met there several years ago. One item I 
remember, that, in deference to you, the organ was not heard 
during the Convention, but good, hearty congregational singing- 

"I hope, dear Bro. Hopson, you will accept of my weak 
tribute of memory as a token of Christian love, that I trust will 
only be enlarged and renewed when we have safely entered the 
Celestial City. We shall unite in singing praises to God and the 
Lamb forever. 

" Yours in the hope of eternal life, 

" Mrs. Alexander Campbell." 

Extract of a letter from Dr. H. Christopher, who 
was one of the elders of the church in St. Louis, the 
year 1874, when we were living there. He writes : 

" I never heard the Doctor preach much until he took charge 
of the church, in 1874. He went to Kentucky in 1860, and Mis- 
sourians lost nearly all knowledge of him except what was gleaned 
from the newspapers. His work in Cincinnati, in 1859, threw 
him very prominently before the public. I then knew very little, 
comparatively, of his ability as a preacher ; but the results of that 
meeting were such as to draw all observing minds to him. I had 
a talk with Dr. Richardson, in the summer of 1860, about that 
meeting and the preacher, and a remark that he then made struck 
me with great force. It was made to account for the opposition 
that assailed him from the denominations. He said : ' He makes 
the Scriptures too plain.' His idea was that people got mad be- 
cause the plain exposition of the Scriptures showed that they 
were grossly blind not to have seen the truth before. Like one 
who pays a big price for a secret process of doing a desired thing, 
and, when he learns it, feels like going out behind the house and 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 235 

kicking himself for being so foolish as not to have seen it before. 
I often thought of Dr. R.'s remark when listening to the Doctor 
while he was in St. Louis in 1874. I then for the first time formed 
a satisfactory (to me) estimate of him as a preacher and a man. 
I then obtained data enough on which to base a rational judgment. 

" Socially he was a desirable companion to me, and I think 
to all who were fond of the subjects on wdiich his mind contin- 
ually fed. To persons in general I think he was very agreeable 
company. All liked him ; some for one reason and some for an- 
other,;wliich is true of all persons. But he had warm friends and 
ardent admirers, who thought him what they conceived of and 
called a big preacher. 

" But I think he was properly appreciated only by such as 
observe closely and consider everything that they see of a man. 
As a preacher of a certain tj'pe, he had no peer. For clearness of 
statement and fullness of expression ; for correct and exact dic- 
tion, terse, plain, elegant, smooth, correct in syntax and rhetoric ; 
for forcible and plain argument that left no escape nor retreat 
that mauled the life out of error, and made the truth luminous 
in contrast ; that disgusted a man with himself, and made happy 
and contented him who had the truth, and saw it in his light, he 
had no superior and really no equal on the same plane. 

" He spoke so correctly, his sentences were so elegant and 
complete, and his words so well chosen to express his thoughts, 
that, when published, they read like previously-prepared written 
addresses, the result of studied thought and careful consideration, 
and of weighing every word and thought. I think this was a gift. 
It was natural, inborn and not studied. I believe he could speak 
better than he could write. The inspiration of an audience was 
a power with him, and, though not absolutely necessary, yet was 
a very great aid, as it is to most public speakers. Such means of 
inspiration the study does not aflbrd, hence one's composition in 
writing may fall far below that of speaking." 

Bro. J. W. Ellis was a co-elder with Dr. Christopher. 

"Plattsburg, Mo., April 17, 1886. 

" Bear Sister Hopson : — I deeply regret to hear that the Doctor 
is not strong, and that he is not improving; and yet you could 
tell from my last letter that I feared as much. 

" I wonder if the Doctor really ever knew how much I, many 
years his junior, admired him and loved him, notwithstanding 



236 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 

such disparity. Many a morning have I started to my office 
earlier than necessaiy, in order to stop in the ' Study,' at Seven- 
teenth and Olive, to talk with liim. He ever received me kindly, 
and never seemed impatient of my intrusion. I always left him 
feeling better, and with encouragement to enter upon the duties 
before me. I can see the welcome smile, 'Good morning, Bro. 
Ellis,' as I used to enter. He ordained me to the eldership in the 
church, which office I hold in this church also. 

"Father of all mercies, bless the declining years of my 
Christian brother. Be his refuge and strength ; keep him under 
the shadow of thy wing; give him peace, rest, eternal life, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

" Your brother in the one hope, 

" J. W. Ellis." 

Bro. J. W. McGarvey writes me, in answer to my 
request, as follows : 

" Lexington, Ky., Nov. 2, 1886. 

''Dear Sister Hopson: — In response to your request for a 
written estimate of the Doctor, I pen the following : 

" When Dr. Hopson was in Ids prime, he was the most pop- 
ular preacher among the Disciples. He was not what is com- 
monly called an eloquent speaker, and yet he was eloquent in the 
true sense of the word. His discourses were methodically ar- 
ranged, his argument convincing, his style was transparent, and 
he left a line of liglit behind him as he advanced with his sub- 
ject. His manner was bold and confident without being defiant, 
and his action was full of grace and dignity. His voice was me- 
lodious, and his person commanding. His exhortations, never 
boisterous, were full of tenderness ; and they deeply impressed 
upon the heart the lessons set forth in the discourse. As a man 
he was generous, kind-hearted and the soul of honor. These 
qualities caused his discourses to have the greater weight with 
those who knew him. His superiority, as I think, consisted in 
the ease with which he could comprehend a subject, and the 
facility with which he could distribute and arrange. In these 
particulars he had no equal among his fellow-laborers. 
" Truly and fraternally yours, 

" J. W. McGarvey." 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON. 237 

" Louisville, Ky., June 1, 1887. 

" Dear Sister Hopson : — You have asked me to give you my 
personal reminiscences of Dr. Hopson, my belove<l brother. 

" About the 1st of January, 1860, I moved my family from 
New Castle, Ky., to Lexington, and made my residence for nearly 
three years in the suburbs of the city. Dr. Hopson had been 
called from Missouri to the pastoral charge of the Main Street 
Church at that time, and I at once became a member of that 
congregation. Here was my first meeting with the Doctor. From 
that time on, while he exercised his pastoral functions, began and 
continued a fraternal and friendly intimacy of a significance far 
beyond that which usually exists in the mere relation of pastor 
and member. The causes for this were several. I was not closely 
confined to business, and my time was much my own. The social 
and sympathetic instinct was never more marked in a man than 
in the Doctor. To this he added an exuberant cheerfulness and 
conversational humor and vivacity, tempered with a never- 
absent dignity and self-restraint, that, while it pleased, never 
left a sensation of pain or unpleasantness on the present company. 
These qualities, with his rare intelligence on general topics, gave 
to him magnetism of personal attraction that made him one of 
the most agreeable companions I have ever met socially. 

" This was the period which embraced the ominous ap- 
proach of the great civil strife, and the first year or so of 
hostilities. These were topics of daily, absorbing interest and 
conversation ; and upon the causes, the issues, the events and 
startling episodes of the day, so strange and novel to us all, we 
were generally agreed. 

" As you will remember, yourself and the Doctor were often 
the guests of our house during this time. I was a constant attendant 
on his pulpit ministrations, and I think I was well prepared to 
judge of his discretion there and in the walks of private life. 
Throughout the trying ordeal of this dark chapter of our history, 
a circumspection of his speech, whether in the ministerial or 
social sphere, was ever present. No word from the pulpit was 
ever uttered that could give offence ; the same tender regard for 
partisan opinions and preferences was observed in the pres- 
ence of friends. T think I may say of the Doctor, as far as 
can be said of any man, he was incapable of insulting or 
wounding by rude words, so much of kindliness had he in his 
nature, chastened with the spirit of the Christian religion. 



238 LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOl'SOX. 

" The angry sectional passions were intensified to tlie spirit 
of strife, wliile the criminations and recriminations made it sure 
tliat it would begin with the fir^t pretext for violence. This was 
not long wanting. Tlie struggle for military mastery in a central 
border State, the recruiting and arming in military cami)s on both 
sides, the plunge into the maelstrom of war and its fierce and 
varying conflicts, put the severest strain on Christian manhood 
it had ever known in our generation. Dr. Hopson bore his part, 
and did his duty ever faithfully. He knew no ditt'erence, in the 
discharge of these duties, between the sympathizers and soldiers 
of the Union cause and those of the Confederacy. 

" His arrest and imprisonment, in 1862, was by no means 
anomalous or strange. After the first raids in Kentucky, it was 
thought to terrorize and restrain the Confederate element by a 
series of arrests i)f prominent representative men. The Doctor's 
views were well known; though he held them harmless to all, 
he was singled out for an example. This information, conveyed 
to him by friends of the Union party, led him to the choice of 
evils— submitting to arrest and imprisonment, or seeking safety 
in flight. He attempted the latter ; but soon found the country 
was so filled with Union troops that escape was impossible, and 
he returned to Lexington, where he was arrested and thrown into 
prison. As soon as advised of this, I called to see him, and to do 
him any service I could to make his strange quarters comfortable. 
I found him resigned, cheerful and trustful. I need not say that 
every comfort was tendered him, for scores of brethren and 
friends were ready and anxious to minister to such wants. He 
was borne to a distant prison, where he lay for months, not 
knowing the cause of his arrest. At last a change was affected, 
and he went South, where he remained until the close of the war. 
How we missed him during that long interval, and how gladly 
we welcomed him back again, 1 well remember. 

" It was about this time that the agitation for the removal of 
Kentucky University from Harrodsburg to Lexington began, and 
the Doctor credited the first conception of such a policy to myself, 
if I may be pardoned any appearance of egotism in the mention. 
As a curator, my first prudential step was to submit the plan to 
the trustees of Transylvania University in secret session, and to 
receive their sanction to a proposal for a consolidation of the two. 
This the trustees formally did, and gave written authority to open 
negotiations. The whole programme was discussed with the 



LIFE OF DR. W. H. HOPSON, 239 

Doctor, and together we proceded to llarrodsburg to lay the 
matter before prominent officials there. It was favorably con- 
Hidered, and the question brought before the public and Board of 
Curators. 

" It may not be improper or intrusive here to give my im- 
pressions of the intellectual qualities of one whom I intimately 
knew and esteemed. By nature he was remarkably endowed. 
His brain, while not massive, was finely organized, and supported 
by one of the most perfect physiques I have ever known. While 
his mind was comprehensive, it was also readily incisive. It was 
notably well balanced and symmetric, and not an organ seemed 
defective or ever at fault in its working. Wnatever came within 
his observation he learned almost by intuition, and retained and 
used with rare skill. He was an orator by nature, not so much 
in the ostentation of rhetoric and the art of Elocution ; but in the 
natural simplicity and grandeur of logic and illustration, and in 
the pathos and sentiment of glowing words that touched the 
reason and the heart at the same time. 

" Dear brother, his w^as a companionship to give life here 
something of a foretaste of heaven, and hereafter to make heaven 
more heavenly. 

" May we meet again where the weary are at rest, if no more 
on earth. In Christ and hope, yours, 

"Z. F. Smith." 



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